Health Topics

Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You Are Here:
Home →
Intestinal Cancer
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/intestinalcancer.html

Intestinal Cancer

Also called: Duodenal cancer, Ileal cancer, Jejunal cancer, Small intestine cancer

Summary

Your small intestine is part of your digestive system. It is a long tube that connects your stomach to your large intestine. Intestinal cancer is rare, but eating a high-fat diet or having Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or a history of colonic polyps can increase your risk.

Possible signs of small intestine cancer include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Weight loss for no reason
  • Blood in the stool
  • A lump in the abdomen

Imaging tests that create pictures of the small intestine and the area around it can help diagnose intestinal cancer and show whether it has spread.

Surgery is the most common treatment. Additional options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Start Here

Diagnosis and Tests

Prevention and Risk Factors

Treatments and Therapies

Living With

Genetics

Statistics and Research

Clinical Trials

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Reference Desk

Find an Expert

Children

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.