The information on this page was reviewed and approved by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science at CTCA.
This page was updated on July 14, 2021.
Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer or small bowel cancer, is very rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Stretched out, the small intestine is about 21 feet long and comprises a large part of the digestive system. Still, it accounts for only 10 percent of all gastrointestinal cancers.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we use a range of diagnostic tools and techniques to help diagnose and stage intestinal cancer and develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs. We also offer supportive care services to help manage side effects before, during and after treatment.
We target intestinal tumors with sophisticated, evidence-based treatments and technology. Your multidisciplinary team of oncologists and gastroenterologists will answer your questions and recommend treatment options based on your unique diagnosis and needs. Common treatments for intestinal cancer include:
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for this type of cancer and is used to remove tumors and the cancerous portion of the colon. In some cases, more advanced procedures may be necessary.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may also be used after surgery or as a palliative treatment if the cancer has spread.
At CTCA, we understand that managing the side effects of intestinal cancer treatment presents additional challenges. In addition to treating your disease with evidence-based conventional medicine, your team of experts will offer supportive care therapies designed to help you maintain your quality of life throughout treatment. They may include:
Every patient has the option of meeting with a registered dietitian.
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This form of cancer develops in the small intestines, which connects the stomach to the large intestine, or colon. The small intestines help to digest food and distribute nutrients to the bloodstream and pass the waste into the colon. Symptoms of intestinal tumors include abdominal pain and weight loss. Tobacco, alcohol and a high-fat diet increase the risk of intestinal cancer. People with inherited conditions, such as Lynch Syndrome or cystic fibrosis, may also be at a higher risk.
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"I remember a conversation I had with my medical oncologist in the first year I was going through treatment at CTCA. I told him, 'I'm not going to make it to deer camp this year.' I was bummed. But he assured me I was well on my way to getting better. He said, 'You'll be at deer camp next year.' The next November, I went up to deer camp and harvested the biggest deer of my life."
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