Could that persistent stomach pain be more than indigestion? It might be a sign of something serious, like small bowel cancer.
Stomach discomfort is common, but persistent pain can be a warning sign. Small bowel cancer, though rare, often begins with symptoms that are mistaken for common digestive issues.
Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a leading GI cancer doctor in Kolkata, specializes in diagnosing and treating small bowel cancer, helping you get the right care at the right time.
This blog will explore what small bowel cancer is, its signs and symptoms, and how it should be managed.
What is Small Bowel Cancer?
Small bowel cancer occurs in the small intestine, a vital part of your digestive system. The small intestine absorbs most of the nutrients from the food you eat. When cancer develops in this area, it can affect nutrient absorption and digestion. Though rare, small bowel cancer can be very serious. The symptoms of small bowel cancer can be subtle. They often resemble common digestive issues, which makes them easy to overlook.
Is Abdominal Pain a Sign of Bowel Cancer?
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of small bowel cancer. It’s important to understand the type of pain and other factors surrounding it. Here’s what you need to look for:
Cramping Abdominal Pain
Cramping pain after eating is a frequent symptom of small bowel cancer. This pain may be intermittent but often becomes more intense over time. Along with cramping, you may also experience bloating or indigestion. These symptoms can make it difficult to identify the exact cause of the pain.
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
If the pain or discomfort doesn’t subside or keeps coming back, it’s time to seek medical advice. Persistent abdominal pain could be something more serious, such as small bowel cancer. It’s important not to ignore recurring discomfort, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a trusted GI cancer doctor in Kolkata, for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How does Small Bowel Cancer affect the digestive system?
Interference with Nutrient Absorption
The small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. When cancer develops in this area, it can disrupt this process, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
Blockage and Obstruction
As the tumour grows, it can block the flow of food, liquids, and gas through the small intestine. This can result in a bowel obstruction, causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating.
Digestive Imbalance
Cancer can affect the natural movement of the intestines, known as peristalsis, leading to difficulty in moving food through the digestive tract. This can cause discomfort, indigestion, and delayed digestion.
Increased Risk of Infection
When the digestive process is disrupted, the body may become more vulnerable to infections due to the improper breakdown of food and the buildup in the intestines.
Impact on Enzyme Production
Small bowel cancer can interfere with the production of digestive enzymes, making it harder for the body to break down food properly, leading to symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer?
Although small bowel cancer often starts with mild symptoms, there are key signs to look out for that could indicate a more serious problem. Here are the 5 warning signs:
Blood in Stool
If you see blood in your stool, it’s never normal. Blood could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be caused by small bowel cancer. Always seek medical attention if you notice blood in your stool.
Persistent Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away is a key symptom of small bowel cancer. If the pain persists or worsens over time, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Nausea and Vomiting
Continuous nausea and vomiting can be especially when accompanied by abdominal pain. These symptoms could signal a bowel obstruction, which can cause cancer.
Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in the small or large intestine, preventing the normal movement of food, liquids, and gas. It can cause symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait; consult Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a trusted GI cancer doctor in Kolkata.
How Abdominal Pain can indicate Small Bowel Cancer?
- Mild and Intermittent Pain: Early symptoms may include mild, intermittent pain that can be mistaken for common digestive issues, such as indigestion or gas.
- Pain After Eating: As the cancer progresses, pain often occurs after eating, due to interference with digestion or a blockage in the small intestine.
- Increasing Severity: Over time, the pain may become more persistent and intense, signalling that the cancer is affecting the small bowel more significantly.
- Associated Symptoms: Abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, nausea, or bloating should not be ignored and warrants a medical consultation.
Does Stage 2 Bowel Cancer have symptoms?
As small bowel cancer advances to stage 2, symptoms become more noticeable. The cancer may begin to spread to nearby tissues, causing additional discomfort. Here are some signs of stage 2:
- Persistent Abdominal Pain
The abdominal pain becomes more severe and constant. It may affect your daily routine and should be addressed immediately. - Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a blockage in the small intestine, often caused by cancer. This symptom is usually associated with more advanced stages of the disease. - Unexplained Weight Loss
By stage 2, unexplained weight loss becomes more pronounced. Significant weight loss without any clear cause should prompt immediate medical attention.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult Dr. Sanjoy Mandal for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Why is the early detection of Small Bowel Cancer important?
- Early detection allows for more effective treatment, increasing the chances of successful outcomes.
- Diagnosing cancer in its early stages means it is more likely to be confined to the small intestine, making it easier to treat.
- With early detection, less invasive, more targeted treatments can be used, reducing the need for aggressive procedures.
- Symptoms like persistent pain or unexplained weight loss should not be ignored, as early signs can easily be mistaken for common digestive issues.
Understanding the Survival Rate of Small Bowel Cancer
While small bowel cancer is rare, understanding the survival rates can help patients make informed decisions about their health. Survival rates for small bowel cancer depend on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the location of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health. Early-stage cancers have a significantly higher survival rate compared to those diagnosed at later stages.
While most people diagnosed with small bowel cancer are over the age of 50, the disease can affect individuals of any age. However, age plays a significant role in the survival rates:
- Under 50 years: Approximately 79.3% 5-year survival rate
- 50–64 years: Around 74.2% survival rate
- 65 years and older: About 59.5% survival rate
Factors Influencing Survival Rates
Early Detection: The earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment. With early intervention, the 5-year survival rate for localized small bowel cancer can be as high as 80%.
- Stage of Cancer:
Localized (Stage 1): Cancer confined to the small intestine has a higher survival rate, often exceeding 70-80%.
Regional Spread (Stages 2 & 3): If cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to around 50-60%.
Distant Spread (Stage 4): When cancer spreads to distant organs, the survival rate significantly decreases, often falling below 20%.
Treatment Options: Survival rates also depend on the effectiveness of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Combining surgery with chemotherapy can increase survival chances in more advanced cases.
Take control of your health today
Early detection of small bowel cancer is crucial for successful treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or any of the symptoms discussed, don’t wait to seek medical help. Dr. Sanjoy Mandal is a leading GI cancer doctor in Kolkata, specialising in small bowel cancer.
Book your consultation
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned here, it’s time to take action. Book a consultation with Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a trusted GI cancer doctor in Kolkata, for a thorough evaluation. Early detection and treatment are essential; don’t delay. Schedule your appointment today.