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Cancer care
Intestinal Cancer
Overview
What is Intestinal Cancer?
Intestinal cancers arise in the small or large intestine, most often in the colon or rectum, and infrequently in the small intestine. The most common is colorectal cancer. It usually starts out as harmless polyps that slowly become malignant, fueled by genetic mutations, diet, and inflammation. Symptoms can be changes in bowel habits, pain in the abdomen, and blood in the stool. At Everhope, our interdisciplinary care teams are here to assist you with innovative diagnostics, targeted treatments, and compassionate care—every step of the way.
Intestinal Cancer Types
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
- This is the most prevalent type of intestinal cancer, which arises from the glandular cells lining the rectum or colon. It begins as benign polyps and then slowly becomes malignant and may extend to lymph nodes and remote organs.
Small Intestine Adenocarcinoma
- A rare but highly aggressive cancer, this condition starts in the innermost lining of the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum. It typically involves cramping, nausea, or obstruction as symptoms. It normally presents late and needs surgery and systemic treatment for proper management.
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
- They arise from hormone-secreting neuroendocrine cells within the wall of the intestine. They can grow slowly or aggressively, depending on differentiation. Symptoms are flushing, diarrhea, or pain, and therapy spans surgery, to somatostatin analogs, to targeted therapy.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
- GISTs are rare tumors that occur from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the small intestine. They can lead to bleeding or abdominal discomfort and are typically treated by surgical excision and targeted therapy such as imatinib for advanced disease.
Lymphoma
- Primary intestinal lymphoma, typically a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, arises from lymphoid tissue in the wall of the bowel. It occurs with greater frequency in immunocompromised persons and may cause weight loss, obstruction, or bleeding. Treatment is often with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplant in certain instances.
Intestinal Cancer Symptoms
Widespread diarrhea, constipation, or a clear change in stool consistency lasting longer than a few weeks can be a sign of intestinal obstruction or cancer disrupting usual digestion.
What’s Notable
- India is seeing a sudden surge in the occurrence of intestinal cancer, especially among urban residents, due to changes in lifestyle and diet.
- They all start as harmless polyps in the intestine and can be detected and excised before they become cancers.
- More numbers of young adults (<50 years) are being diagnosed, pointing towards the need for screening even younger than the existing recommended ages.
When to Seek Help
Persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, family history of colorectal cancer, or a lump in the abdomen may signal intestinal or colorectal cancer and warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Intestinal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Age Over 50
Intestinal (mainly colorectal) cancer occurs in the majority of cases in patients over the age of 50, though younger patients are being diagnosed more and more in recent years.
Family History of Colorectal or Intestinal Cancer
Having a parent, sibling, or close relative with intestinal cancer or recognized genetic syndromes such as FAP or Lynch syndrome.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are chronic inflammatory disorders, may lead to permanent damage to the lining of the intestine.
Low-Fiber, High-Fat Diet
A diet high in processed meat and animal fats and low in vegetables, fruits, and fiber.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Those who are overweight and have little or no physical activity tend to develop gastrointestinal cancer.
Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Tobacco and excessive alcohol lead to the mutation of intestinal cells and compromise the body's defense mechanism against irregular cell growth.
History of Polyps
Benign polyps known as adenomatous polyps have a potential to become malignant after some time.
Type 2 Diabetes
Patients with insulin resistance or inadequately controlled diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing intestinal cancer.
Intestinal Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
You have ongoing abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, or changes in your bowel movements that drive you to your doctor or GI doc for answers.
Intestinal Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Kills rapidly growing bladder cancer cells throughout the body.
- Treated for
- Stage III cancers, metastatic, or advanced cancer; used before or after surgery.
- Recovery
- Given in cycles; may cause nausea, fatigue, decreased immunity, and hair loss. Monitoring on a regular basis keeps side effects under control.
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- It aims at specific proteins or genetic mutations that make the cancer grow.
- Treated for
- Tumors with mutations such as KRAS, BRAF, or HER2.
- Common medications
- Cetuximab, Bevacizumab, Panitumumab.
- Recovery
- Generally, fewer side effects than chemo but needs to be tested genetically to ensure appropriateness.
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Boosts immune response to detect and attack cancer cells.
- Used for
- Certain intestinal cancers with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H).
- Drugs used
- Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab.
- Recovery
- Usually well tolerated in the majority, although immune-mediated side effects such as rash or colitis may rarely arise.
Management & Prevention
Nutritional Restoration
- Meet with an oncology dietitian to develop a customized, fiber-rich, protein-fortified, and gut-friendly diet to help restore your strength and nutrients.
Bowel Care
- Take control with medications, scheduled meals, and physical therapy to normalize post-surgery or radiation-induced bowel alterations.
Post-Surgical Recovery
- Progressive mobility, pain control, and wound management enable you to return to daily routines safely following procedures such as colectomy or ileostomy.
Why Choose Everhope Intestinal Cancer?
At Everhope, our dedicated team supports your journey with advanced care, compassionate guidance, and lasting hope.
- 73K
- deaths every year in India
- 1.9M
- New colorectal cancer cases globally
- 3rd
- Most common cancer globally
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Questions
FAQs on Intestinal Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Is intestinal cancer the same as colon or colorectal cancer?
No, not exactly. Intestinal cancer is used to describe cancer affecting any part of the small intestine or large intestine. Colon and rectal cancers are more specifically used to describe cancer of the large intestine and rectum.
What are the warning signs of intestinal cancer?
Early warning signs most commonly noted are abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, changed bowel habits, stools containing blood, or chronic bloating and fatigue.
Can cancer of the intestine be cured?
Yes, If the cancer is found early and is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy as needed, most patients can be cured or have long-term control.
Will I need a colostomy or an ileostomy bag?
Not always, only if a large portion of the intestine has to be removed or healing with bowel diversion has to be accomplished. Most patients get the bag reversed afterwards.
How often should I get screened after treatment?
Survivors are usually followed up with colonoscopy, laboratory tests, and imaging every 3–6 months in the first few years, depending on stage and risk for recurrence.
Does family history increase my risk?
Yes, If a close relative has the same type of intestinal, colorectal, or other cancers, your risk is higher. Genetic tests or more frequent screening may be recommended.
What lifestyle changes will decrease my risk of recurrence?
Quitting smoking, eating less red meat, consuming foods high in fiber, exercising on a regular basis, and being at a healthy weight are all highly recommended.
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