Small intestine cancer can present a variety of symptoms, which often may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. Here are some common symptoms associated with small intestine cancer:
- Abdominal Pain or Cramping: This can be vague and intermittent initially, often becoming more constant and severe as the condition progresses.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many cancers, including small intestine cancer.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can occur, especially if the tumor causes a partial or complete blockage of the intestine.
- Bloating or a Feeling of Fullness: This may happen after eating only a small amount of food.
- Blood in the Stool: This can appear as red blood or as very dark stool, indicating bleeding from the tumor.
- Anemia: Caused by a slow loss of blood that may not be noticeable in the stool but leads to low red blood cell counts.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, if the cancer affects bile flow.
- Fatigue: Often a result of anemia or other systemic effects of cancer.
If you persistently experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider, as they can also be caused by other conditions. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prognosis. At GW Cancer Center, you’ll be seen by doctors and surgeons who rank among the top experts in the Washington, DC, region.
