Diagnosis
If you have any symptoms of small intestine cancer, your doctor will take a complete medical history, conduct a physical examination and look for any symptoms that may be caused by a tumor in the intestines. The doctor may recommend any of the following tests or procedures:
Blood tests
The doctor may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) to measure the levels of the cells in your blood. A tumor in the small intestine may cause bleeding in the intestines, which may lead to anemia (low red blood cells). The doctor may also recommend a blood chemistry test to check the function of different organs (such as the liver) that may be affected by small intestine cancer.
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Barium X-ray with small bowel follow-through
For this test, the patient drinks a chalky white liquid called barium and undergoes a series of X-rays. The barium coats the lining of the intestines and clearly outlines it on the X-rays, making it easy for the doctor to identify any abnormalities.
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Upper endoscopy
In this procedure, the doctor uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and a light on the end, to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The doctor inserts an endoscope through the nose or mouth and guides it through the digestive tract to the small intestine. The endoscope may also be used to remove samples of any suspicious tissue.
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Capsule endoscopy
In this procedure, the patient swallows a small capsule with a camera and a light on it. As the capsule travels through the small intestine, it takes many pictures and sends them to a device. The doctor can then download and examine images from the device to look for any signs of cancer. The capsule then leaves the body during a bowel movement.
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Double balloon endoscopy
This procedure allows the doctor to view the small intestine by using a special endoscope with two tubes, one inside the other. The doctor passes the first (inner) tube into the small intestine. The doctor then inflates a balloon to hold the first tube in place while the second tube is passed further into the small intestine. The doctor repeats this process many times, allowing examination of about a foot of intestine at a time. The advantage of this procedure over capsule endoscopy is that it allows the doctor to take a biopsy sample of any suspicious tissue found.
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Computed tomography (CT) scan
For a CT scan, the patient lies flat on a table while a machine rotates around your body and takes pictures. It produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body and allows doctors to study specific areas. The doctor may recommend a CT scan to find out if there is a blockage or obstruction causing abdominal pain. A CT scan is helpful in determining the stage of the disease.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
MRI scans use radio waves and a strong magnet to create clear and detailed images of the body. Radio waves are absorbed by the body and then released in a certain pattern, which is translated by a computer in order to show “slices” of the body. Doctors use MRIs for small intestine cancer to provide better liver visualization.
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Biopsy
If any of these diagnostic tests indicate the presence of cancer, the doctor will conduct a biopsy to be certain. The doctor will remove a tissue sample and have a pathologist examine it under a microscope to determine if it contains cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to be certain of a cancer diagnosis. The biopsy may be performed during an endoscopy, or it may be performed via surgery if the tumor can't be reached with an endoscope.
