Description
Duodenal cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in a portion of the small intestine near the stomach. These abnormal cells ultimately grow and produce a tumor. This cancer is relatively rare compared to stomach and colorectal cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and blood in the stools.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis may be suspected from results of a CT scan. Usually, the diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the duodenum when an upper endoscopy is performed. A PET scan may be done to determine if the cancer has spread.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Endoscopy, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Upper GI series
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis may be suspected from results of a CT scan. Usually, the diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the duodenum when an upper endoscopy is performed. A PET scan may be done to determine if the cancer has spread.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Endoscopy, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Upper GI series
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the size and location of the cancer. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.