A malignancy involves cancerous cells that canmetastasize(spread to other sites or invade and destroy nearby tissues).
The most common punch in of duodenal cancer is adenocarcinoma.
What Is the Function of the Duodenum?
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The duodenum receives food from the stomach and digestive juices from the pancreas and gallbladder.
Types of Duodenal Cancer
There are five different types of duodenal cancer.
Adenocarcinomas
Adenocarcinomas can be found in cells that make and release mucus or other fluids.
Duodenal adenocarcinoma is considered a rare and fast-spreadingcancerin your small intestine.
Symptoms may be very unclear, which, unfortunately, can result in a delayed diagnosis.
Finding cancer early on leads to better treatment outcomes.
As the tumor grows, it may block the passage of food through the small bowel.
This contributes to an increase in abdominal pain.
If the intestine becomes completely blocked, severe nausea and vomiting will occur.
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that comes on over minutes to hours, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Whenbileis unable to flow, it builds up in the bloodstream, causing yellow-tinged skin and eyes.
It is important to note that the symptoms of duodenal cancer could be because of conditions other than cancer.
Causes of Duodenal Adenocarcinoma
The risks and causes of different types of duodenal cancer can vary.
Because adenocarcinomas are the most common punch in, this section pertains to duodenal adenocarcinoma.
However, scientists do know about some underlying factors that contribute to the development of duodenal cancer.
This is one reason the risk of cancer increases as a person ages.
Some patients who develop duodenal cancer have hereditary gene changes that lead to an inherited increased risk.
However, some gene changes seem to have no specific cause.
These tests include the following.
Other Treatment
Treatment for duodenal cancer may also include the following.
Prognosis
Some factors can influence the outcome of duodenal cancer treatment.
The prognosis is considered a persons likeliness of recovery after surgery or other treatment modalities.
In the case of duodenal cancer, the prognosis is influenced by several factors.
Those withlymph nodeinvolvement had a 21% five-year survival rate.
Coping
Coping with a disease such as duodenal cancer is not an easy undertaking.
There are many resources available (both online and in-person), such asthrough the American Cancer Society.
This is particularly true if you are experiencing anysigns or symptoms of depression.
Its important not to forget to do things that you enjoy.
Instead, see yourself as a cancer survivor.
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American Cancer Society.What causes small intestine cancer (adenocarcinoma)?
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for small intestine cancer (adenocarcinoma).
American Cancer Society.Small intestine cancer (adenocarcinoma) stages.
Spectrum Health.Duodenal and Small Intestine Cancers.
2018;25(9):2681-2692. doi:10.1245/s10434-018-6567-6
