Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer is a rare malignancy with a global incidence of less than 1.0 per 100,000 population. About one-third of small bowel malignancies are adenocarcinomas. Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease and hereditary syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis are well-established associations. Asymptomatic early stage, vague symptoms, relative anatomical inaccessibility and low suspicion due to rarity frequently result in delays and late-stage detection. Poor prognosis associated with small intestine cancer is partly related to these factors. Radical surgical resection is the only curative treatment option. Most patients would receive adjuvant therapy. Evidence to support adjuvant therapy in small intestine cancer is corroborated from colonic cancer and few retrospective studies. Primary aim in metastatic patients is palliation. Palliative chemotherapy improves survival over best supportive care. Primary tumors complicated by obstruction, bleeding and perforation may necessitate curative or palliative surgical intervention as per the disease stage.