Adenocarcinoma of the Small Intestine
Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine is a form of cancer
that occurs in the part of the intestine that descends from the stomach. It is a
rare form of cancer.
What is going on in the body?
The small intestine plays a key role in the digestion
of foods. Many nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine as food
passes through it. Adenocarcinoma occurs in the tissues that line the
small intestine. It causes the cells in these tissues to grow and multiply
out of control. These cells form a tumor along the wall of the intestine.
This tumor then begins to invade the tissues around it.
In time, the tumor will grow through the intestinal wall. The
tumor then goes on to invade structures around the intestine. Cancer cells
can break off from the tumor and
metastasize. This means the cancer is spread through the
bloodstream. Cancer cells can also spread through the system that drains
into lymph nodes.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The risk factors for this type of cancer are
not well defined. Diet may play a role,
especially a diet high in nitrates. Some other risk factors may include:
celiac disease,
in which the body is unable to absorb certain foods
Crohn disease,
an inflammation of the bowel
a history of adenocarcinoma
elsewhere in the body
a history of colorectal cancer
immunodeficiency disorders
that lead to a weakened immune system
inherited gastrointestinal syndromes
older age
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