Duodenal cancer: first symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis. Duodenal Cancer: Early and Late Stage Symptoms Duodenal Tumors Symptoms

Duodenal cancer is cancer that begins in the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.

Treatment of the disease can be carried out in various ways, it is necessary to diagnose oncology at an early stage.

In this article, we will look at the first signs of duodenal cancer. The sooner a person suspects this pathology in himself and the sooner he goes to the doctor, the more chances to get rid of cancer.

Causes and symptoms

This organ is known to be the first part or component of the small intestine.

In the duodenum, food is mixed with bile from the gallbladder, as well as with an enzyme from the pancreas, to effectively digest incoming food.

It is important to note that there are four main stages of cancer in this organ, including:

Stage I At this stage, the malignant tumor is located only in the intestinal mucosa.

Stage II. Cancer cells spread to the muscle layer. There are metastases in regional lymph nodes.

Stage III. At this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby organs. Multiple regional metastases.

Stage IV Distant metastases are observed.

There are certain risk factors associated with the development of this cancer. People with celiac disease or Crohn's disease are at increased risk.

The presence of polyps also increases the risk of cancer in the duodenum. Improper nutrition and high-fat diets are also a risk factor.

Reliable causative factors of stomach cancer are still unclear.

It is only known that certain components of bile and pancreatic juice, such as lithocholic acid and some other secondary bile acids, can be carcinogenic agents.

Usually, familial polyposis, as well as a benign epithelial tumor or some other process, can be the causes of the development of a duodenal tumor, specifically affecting the treatment of the disease.

On the other hand, there are some studies that diverticular disease of the colon, as well as the factor of heredity and genetic predisposition, also contribute to the development of inflammation in the duodenum.

The symptoms present will also affect the treatment and methods that will be used by medical professionals during the treatment of the disease.

The first symptoms of the disease are important to determine the treatment regimen, to be diagnosed not only on the basis of tests and analyses, but also taking into account the physical examination of the patient by a doctor.

Symptoms of the disease can be varied, manifested in the form of:

• pain in the stomach;
• desire to vomit;
• prolonged lack of appetite;
• weight loss.

Some people may feel symptoms and signs such as a hard lump in the abdomen. Duodenal disease interferes with digestion, and heartburn and acid reflux may develop.

There may also be signs and symptoms of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to bloody stools.

Increased fatigue and weakness are also common symptoms of the disease, often manifesting as the disease progresses.

A cancerous tumor can cause an obstruction.

If food cannot reach the lower intestines, it will cause pain, acid reflux, and weight loss because food cannot get to where it needs to be processed and absorbed by the body.

Cancer patients may experience sudden abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, nausea, and a feeling of vomiting.

Most cancers are adenocarcinomas. Other types of tumors are carcinoids and sarcomas.

Although carcinoid and sarcomas can develop in the duodenum, they are more common in other parts of the small intestine.

Because many of the symptoms are similar to other types of gastrointestinal disease, a variety of medical tests may be needed to make a diagnosis.

A physical examination is done to check for lumps in the abdomen. A stool sample may be recommended to check for blood in the stool.

Research on the development of tumors in the duodenum is not enough, since this cancer is very rare, and there are not a large number of patients to conduct their examinations.

As a result, there is little evidence on which to base a physician in deciding the best treatment option for cancer.

There is little conclusive information regarding risk factors and the exact etiology of duodenal cancer. However, they are considered to play an important role.

These include:

1. Diet containing a large amount of fat, heavy meals for the stomach.
2. Exposure to carcinogens of chemical or radiation origin.
3. Chronic smoking.
4. Lynch Syndrome.
5. celiac disease
6. Peutz-Gigers disease.
7. Syndrome Gardner.
8. Crohn's disease.
9. Familial adenomatous polyposis.
10. The disease is similar to juvenile polyposis syndrome.
11. Gastric ulcer.

Diagnostic measures and treatment

Several tests are available to diagnose duodenal cancer. These tests include:

Computed tomography

It is one of the main diagnostic tools for detecting cancer.

This is one of the imaging tests and by using this method the inside of the intestine can be observed and then the area of ​​the small intestine affected by cancer can be identified.

Biopsy

This is another important clinical method for detecting cancer in the duodenum.

A small needle is used to cut small sections of the cancer cell or cells, and these tissues are then examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancerous tissue.

Endoscopy

This is a modern medical technique for detecting cancer. Endoscopy is an important imaging test.

The camera is inserted into the stomach and duodenum. A special computer is used to view the internal image of the intestine.

MRI

This method is also known as the magnetic resonance imaging method. A magnetic wave and a computer are used to view a detailed picture of the intestines as well as any other internal organ.

Using this technique, you can view the image of the intestine, as well as determine the presence of oncology.

Additional tests that may be recommended include an x-ray of the abdomen.

A procedure can be done using a contrast - barium suspension.

Barium coats the intestines and this makes it possible to view it with x-rays. A liver function test, which measures a substance secreted by the liver, may also be used to make a diagnosis.

Cancer treatment often includes chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy.

Treatment and its types will depend on the age of the patient, the stage of the cancer, and other health conditions that may be present. Surgery may be an option in some cases.

When the operation actually occurs, a technique known as the Whipple operation may be performed. This is the type of surgery that is sometimes possible for this cancer.

During the procedure, the duodenum, part of the pancreas (its head) and gallbladder are usually removed, and the small intestine is brought to the pylorus of the stomach.

Removing part of the pancreas often requires taking pancreatic enzymes to help with the digestive process. They are available in capsule form.

The patient after the Whipple operation can feel completely normal and lead a normal life without difficulty.

It is important that the procedure be done by a highly experienced surgeon, as specific competence is of great importance.

Some patients need to be fitted with feeding tubes to receive nutrients, or drainage tubes to remove excess processed food that cannot pass the blockage.

Treatment for duodenal cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease and where it is found.

Early-stage cancer is easier to eliminate, but later-stage surgery is the most common choice for treating duodenal cancer.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are sometimes used, but these treatment options are usually performed in conjunction with surgery. Early stage duodenal cancer can be cured.

Some other therapy options are also available for stomach cancer, such as herbal treatments and alternative therapies.

There are several main ways to prevent cancer.

They are listed below:

1. It is necessary to quit bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).
2. It is recommended to consume enough liquid on a daily basis.
3. It is advisable to eat healthy food and follow a proper diet.
4. It is also very important to avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee, spicy and heavy foods.
5. The patient should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

To check the state of health, in particular the small intestine, timely diagnostics are required to identify any problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In the presence of general discomfort, an accurate diagnosis should be obtained.

If the pain does not go away for a long time, there is a need for a serious diagnosis that could facilitate the recognition of the cause of the complications.

A thorough examination of the condition of the duodenum should identify the exact causes of pain in order to perform the correct treatment.

The prognosis for the development of cancer in the duodenum, both in men and in women of any age, will be made taking into account the stage of the process.

Once the correct diagnosis is established, treatment can be performed properly.

Useful video

Tumors of the digestive system are a problem for the normal trophism of the body. Duodenal cancer is one such disease. This is the most common localization of malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the pathogenic nature, the disease rarely metastasizes, which increases the possibility of recovery and life.

Causes

Cancer of the duodenum does not have a unified theory of development. There are risk factors that increase the possibility of this pathology:

• genetic predisposition;
• irrational, unhealthy diet;
• chronic bowel disease;
• benign changes;
• alcohol consumption;
• smoking;
• contact with carcinogens;
• prolonged exposure;
• cholelithiasis;
• chronic pathologies of the liver;
• duodenal ulcer.

The combination of several factors increases the likelihood of developing cancer.

Symptoms of manifestation

The disease is accompanied by problems with digestion, which manifests itself in the form of pain in the abdomen after eating.

For a long period, the disease may not manifest itself. Symptoms occur when the tumor leads to compression or obstruction of neighboring structures, intoxication of the body with metabolic products, and indigestion. The first symptoms of duodenal cancer include pain in the right hypochondrium or upper abdomen that occurs between meals, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching, flatulence.

The manifestation of stage 3-4 cancer includes jaundice, a feeling of heaviness after eating, blood in the feces and vomit. Common symptoms are weakness, pallor of the skin, decreased ability to work and muscle strength, mental disorders, sudden weight loss, prolonged subfebrile body temperature, and malaise. When the intestinal lumen is closed, there is a violation of the movement of the food bolus through the intestines, which is manifested by bad breath and discomfort in the abdomen.

Diagnostics

Duodenal cancer can be detected by external palpation of the abdomen. If the tumor is superficial, it can be felt. Laboratory examination methods include:

• Complete blood count - shows a decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin, an increase in ESR.
• Biochemical study - the results indicate intoxication of the body with metabolic products, a violation of liver tests, an excess of C-reactive protein.
• A coprogram is a laboratory examination of the stool to check if there is occult blood or other pathological inclusions in the patient's stool.
• Analysis for tumor markers is a technique that includes the detection of specific proteins that are produced only in cancer in the intestine.

Instrumental Methods

Using fibrogastroduodenoscopy, a specialist studies the state of the disease and its location.

• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is an examination with which you can visually examine the duodenum, determine the presence of a neoplasm, its localization, size and degree of spread.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs - is performed to study the work of the gallbladder, liver, detection of metastatic sites.
• MRI and CT - a study of the duodenum and tumor in layers to assess the physical characteristics of the neoplasm, the characteristics of the blood supply, the relationship to neighboring organs, spread to the lymph nodes and other structures.
• Biopsy - performed during fibrogastroduodenoscopy. With the help of a special device, a piece of tissue is taken from the pathogenic focus, which borders on normal. The material is sent for further histological and cytological examination in order to determine the degree of malignancy of the cancer.

Methods of treatment

Operational method

Duodenal cancer is subject to surgical intervention in the case of the patient's age not more than 75 years and the absence of metastasis. Together with the neoplasm, part of the normal tissue is removed to prevent the recurrence of the disease. The scope of the operation is individual in each case. At stages 3-4 of the malignant process, the removal of the tumor is not carried out, since the patient's immunity is so weakened that cancer cells spread regardless of the state of the primary focus.

The human intestine, as well as other internal organs, can be subject to oncological lesions. The most common and dangerous tumor is considered duodenal cancer early symptoms which is not immediately recognizable. Most often, the elderly (60-70 years old) are susceptible to the disease, although it is impossible to accurately predict the age category for the development of a fatal disease. Depending on the degree of damage to the body by an oncological disease, a distant secondary focus of pathology often affects neighboring lymph nodes and the liver.

Duodenal cancer is a cancer that begins in the small intestine, commonly called the duodenum. According to statistics, this is a rather rare type of tumor formation of a malignant nature that develops in the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine.

The duodenum is located in close proximity to the stomach, characterized by the beginning of the small intestine. In an adult, the organ is located in the region of the second, third vertebrae. In the process of digestion of the food entering it, it mixes with the bile secreted by the gallbladder, pancreatic enzymes. This is a natural process that promotes efficient digestion.

The main function of the duodenum:

• bringing the acid-base level of the digestive tract to the normative indicators;
• regulation of the synthesis of vital enzymes, bile;
• normalization of the secretory sections of the stomach.

Since a malignant tumor in the duodenum is a rare site of localization, it is not always possible to immediately determine the most effective methods for its diagnosis.

Since the primary cancerous neoplasm is rarely localized in the small intestine, secondary lesions can be observed that develop from epithelial particles.

Classification of duodenal cancer

The criteria for classifying pathology are as follows:

• direction of growth;
• tissue development;
• localization;
• degree of spread.

growth direction

Since cancer cells manifest differently in the intestinal environment, two types of oncological processes are distinguished:

Tissue Development

The formation of a malignant tumor can affect various cells of the body. Based on this, several types of cancers are distinguished:

View	Description
Signet cell tumor	Atypical cells are visualized as rings. Rapid development of the disease with multiple metastasis is characteristic. Poorly diagnosed
undifferentiated cancer	The most common localization site is the inner wall of the duodenum.
Lymphosarcoma	It is characterized by frequent metastasis to neighboring lymph nodes. Most often affects men over 50 years of age
Leiomysarcoma	A non-epithelial type of tumor that metastasizes through the blood vessels to the liver, peritoneum. Grows up to 8 cm, most often found in men over 40 years old
Neurinoma	A rare tumor of neurogenic origin, most often affecting the child's body. It is characterized by low ability to grow, delayed metastasis, ability to relapse.
fibrosarcoma	A malignant nodule no larger than 3 cm is formed from the connective tissue of the duodenum 12
Mucosal adenocarcinoma	It develops directly from the mucous membrane of the muscular, outer layers of the organ. Grows into the abdominal cavity. Characterized by a large accumulation of mucus

Localization

Since the duodenum has several sections, the location of the tumor may be different. By location, several types of malignant neoplasms can be distinguished:

Degree of distribution

Duodenal cancer has several degrees of distribution (4 stages). Pathology is determined by the size of the neoplasm, growth, accompanying symptoms, the presence of metastases:

Degree	Description
1 degree	The tumor is characterized by clear boundaries, small size, localized under the mucous membrane. Symptoms are mild
2 degree	The neoplasm affects the muscle layers without affecting neighboring organs, although metastases appear in closely spaced lymph nodes
3 degree	Pathology has serious dimensions that go beyond the duodenum. In this case, the pancreas is affected, multiple metastases are found, pronounced symptoms are observed.
4 degree	A cancerous tumor can be of different sizes. Metastases spread throughout the body, affecting the lungs, stomach, liver. Symptoms are pronounced

Attention! Treatment for duodenal cancer depends on the location of the tumor. It is also important to determine the development of cancerous tissues, the degree of damage to the body.

Reasons for development

The exact factors that influence the occurrence of cancerous tumors are not fully understood, but there are characteristic signs that can affect the development of the pathological process in the body.

Possible causes of small bowel cancer:

• inflammatory processes of the duodenum in the chronic stage (inflammation of the mucous membrane, the presence of ulcers, Crohn's disease);
• genetic predisposition to oncological diseases (presence in the intestine of neoplasms with a wide base or leg, protruding into the lumen of the small intestine);
• unbalanced diet (excessive consumption of fatty, fried, smoked, salty foods, foods saturated with artificial dyes), as well as a deficiency of fiber found in vegetables and fruits;
• passion for bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking, drug addiction); alcohol and nicotine are especially detrimental to the cells of the digestive tract;
• the presence of benign tumors that were not timely subjected to in-depth diagnosis, optimal treatment;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pathologies of the biliary tract, non-inflammatory chronic bowel diseases, Gardner's disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammation of the pancreas, etc.);
• viral infections that can mutate into abnormal forms;
• a decrease in immunity, in which a weakened body is not able to fight malignant tumors.

Symptoms

The presence of provocative signs significantly increases the risk of the first symptoms of a malignant neoplasm. Some of them are quite simply eliminated by working on oneself. Maintaining a proper lifestyle, regular hardening, playing sports, preventing infectious inflammatory processes help strengthen immunity, which, in turn, stimulates the body to increase resistance to the development of cancerous tumors.

The first symptoms of duodenal cancer 12

The early stage of cancer development is quite difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms are mild. Often, patients learn about a terrible diagnosis by chance, during a planned medical examination, ultrasound or FGDS.

Important! If a person has a hereditary predisposition to oncological diseases, he is at risk, the manifestation of the first symptomatology should alert, encourage a full course of examination.

The most characteristic symptom in this case is a dull pain in the stomach area, a little lower, which is more pronounced at night. Often it occurs when a person is hungry. At the same time, there is a feeling of heaviness, petrification of the organ.

With the inevitable growth of a malignant neoplasm, the work of the gallbladder is disrupted, while the bile and absorbed food cannot pass normally into the small intestine. During this period, the patient may feel the first symptoms of duodenal cancer:

• there is a feeling of heaviness, nausea, constant belching and heartburn haunt;
• there is a aching painful condition of a permanent nature;
• some time after eating, the contents of the stomach spontaneously pour out;
• poor appetite contributes to a sharp decrease in the patient's weight.

Similar symptoms may characterize other diseases of the digestive system. Therefore, based only on them, the doctor cannot make a clear diagnosis.

General symptoms of cancer

With duodenal cancer, the patient experiences complete intoxication of the body, characterized by common symptoms. They are observed in the defeat of malignant tumors of different systems, organs. Intensity, severity manifests itself depending on the size of the neoplasm, the stage of the lesion and other signs.

General symptoms are as follows:

1. The patient feels constant malaise, weakness, apathy to the events taking place around. He has depression, outbursts of aggression.
2. Frequent dizziness, headaches provoke the fear of being alone, the patient is tormented by insomnia, nightmares.
3. A change in the shade of the skin is noticed (the face turns pale, sometimes a bluish tint, yellowness appears).
4. Lack of appetite sometimes provokes the development of anorexia.
5. There is a violation of the "internal clock". A person can not close his eyes all night, and during the day there comes an irresistible drowsiness.
6. There is dryness in the mouth, nose, the patient blinks frequently, trying to involuntarily moisten the eyes by natural closing of the eyelids.
7. Increased sweating at night.
8. Body temperature is constantly maintained at around 37 degrees (sometimes it reaches 39).
9. Constant nausea provokes bouts of vomiting.
10. Due to a decrease in immunity, the patient often suffers from infectious diseases.
11. Sometimes there is anemia of the upper and lower extremities.

Attention! Symptoms of duodenal cancer largely depend on the location of the tumor node. With its growth in the lumen of the small intestine, intestinal obstruction is observed, if its growth is directed outward, a characteristic symptom is bleeding.

In order for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, a complete diagnostic examination of the patient for the presence of cancer cells is recommended. The first symptoms of oncology that occur in a person should not be ignored, especially if he is at risk. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the state of your health, timely undergo the necessary examinations. you will find the answer in the link.

Video - Colon cancer - home diagnostics

Duodenal cancer is a malignant lesion of an organ characterized by tumor growth at the site of localization, metastasis to other foci, impaired functional abilities.

The duodenum is part of the digestive tube, it follows the stomach and is the initial section of the small intestine.

It consists of the following parts:

• Bulb of the duodenum.
• Top or horizontal part.
• descending part.
• Ascending part.

In each of these departments, a pathological process can form. The duodenum is a hollow organ with a tube structure, shaped like a horseshoe.

It tightly fits the head of the pancreas and borders on other organs: the stomach, liver, intestines, large lymphatic and blood vessels.

Has the main functions:

• Digestive.

It comes down to processing the food bolus and preparing it for further movement from the acidic environment of the stomach to the alkaline environment of the intestine.

• Enzymatic.

The secret of the pancreas and liver opens into its lumen. Enzymes break down food into proteins, fats, carbohydrates, trace elements, which contributes to their absorption.

Causes of the disease

In the modern world of medicine, there are disputes to establish the cause of the development of the disease. The exact etiological factor has not been fully established. Allocate background processes, precancerous conditions and harmful factors that can cause the development of the disease.

These include:

• Diseases of the duodenum with a chronic course.

Scientists have proven that cancer does not develop on an unchanged mucosa. Oncology is always preceded by damage and dysplasia. Dysplasia develops against the background of chronic duodenitis, duodenal ulcer. The risk increases in the absence of the necessary treatment.

• The presence of polyposis damage to the mucous layer.

Diffuse polyposis often occurs in relatives through the generation. It affects both the large and small intestines, the duodenum is no exception. With a long course, polyps can degenerate into malignant tumors.

• The presence of benign tumors.

With the aggressive action of pathological factors on a benign tumor, it can mutate and develop into cancer.

• Genetics and hereditary factors play an important role.

Duodenal cancer often occurs in the same family between blood relatives of different generations. The leading role here is assigned to the accumulation of a gene that carries information about cancer.

• Irrational food intake or the use of low-quality products.

Recently, the diet actively influences the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. People began to consume more fried, spicy, sour, fast food, quick snacks, genetically modified foods.

All this is extremely detrimental to the human body. The patient does not fully receive the necessary substances. There is an overabundance of harmful chemical elements, a weakening of the immune system, the development of oncology.

Doctors say that there is a direct connection between what the population eats and what kind of cancer pathologies then arise.

• Drug poisoning.
• In almost 70% of cases, cancer occurs against the background of drinking alcohol and smoking - a scientifically proven fact.

Some groups of drugs, such as hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, can cause damage to the gastric and duodenal mucosa.

With prolonged use, the processes become irreversible, and cancer appears. It is important to consult with specialists when using any medicines, because many drugs have side effects and unwanted reactions.

• It is impossible to deny the factor of ecology and harmful working conditions.

Chemicals tend to accumulate in the body. After that, they disrupt metabolic processes, causing various diseases, including cancer.

• Intestinal infections and invasions.

The disease develops against the background of latent intestinal infections, helminthic lesions.

• A huge problem of our time is a sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity.

Survival in duodenal cancer

In order to assess survival, you need to know the stages of the process, at each stage the survival varies.

• Stage 1

With it, the tumor has a small size up to 2 cm. It is located on the surface layers, does not grow in depth, has no metastases. It may not manifest itself clinically, for this reason, at an early stage, the tumor is difficult to diagnose.

If you undergo annual preventive examinations, then the tumor is detected at this stage. The survival rate for complete treatment of colon cancer is 90-98%. People are completely cured of the disease, relapse does not occur. The prognosis for life and health is favorable.

• Stage 2

The focus becomes large, up to 5 cm. It grows in the submucosal layers, there is no metastasis. Early symptoms may appear: nausea, pain, heaviness in the epigastrium.

It is well diagnosed, subject to surgical and combined treatment. With timely treatment, the survival rate for more than 5 years is high - 70-90%. Relapse is rare, the prognosis for life and health is favorable.

• Stage 3

More heavy. The tumor reaches a large size. Affects all layers of the wall, can affect neighboring organs. Rapid tendency to metastasize and damage to lymph nodes, difficult to surgically treat.

The five-year survival rate for grade 3 cancer is 40-70%. The prognosis for life and work is not very favorable, patients are given a disability group.

• Stage 4

The most neglected and heaviest. Large size of the lesion, multiple metastases, damage to neighboring organs and systems. Attachment of severe complications from which the patient may die.

Survival up to 3 years is small, no more than 30%. It is difficult to treat, the prognosis for life is not favorable.

The first symptoms and manifestations of duodenal cancer at an early stage, how long they live with the disease

In the first stages, oncology practically does not manifest itself in any way or disguises itself as other inflammatory pathologies. The patient begins to notice complaints as the disease returns.

The very first symptoms are:

• Heaviness and discomfort in the epigastric region or in the right hypochondrium.

The epigastric region is located in the middle in the upper abdomen. Discomfort can move to the umbilical region. At first it is intermittent and increases 30 minutes after eating, and then becomes constant.

If you have such a symptom, you should immediately consult a doctor.

• General weakness and malaise.

The patient complains that for a long time, more than 2 months, working capacity decreases, there is no strength, he constantly wants to sleep. This can be a sign and the first symptom of duodenal cancer.

• Decreased appetite, complete refusal of food.

Depends on the extent of tumor growth. The larger the tumor, the less you want to eat.

• Sharp weight loss.

For a month, patients can lose up to 10 kg. With such a sharp loss of body weight, an urgent need to contact a specialist.

At stages 2-4, the following symptoms join:

• Nausea, which is often constant. Not eliminated by antiemetics. Increases with eating.
• Periodic vomiting that does not bring relief. After eating, the patient feels severe discomfort and pain in the epigastrium. Therefore, it can induce vomiting artificially.
• Severe pain in the right hypochondrium.
• Heartburn sour or rotten, belching.
• Overlay on the tongue of a profuse white coating.
• Bad rotten smell from the mouth.

Life expectancy and prognosis for each person is individual. It all depends on the composition of the tumor, histological structure, degree, metastasis. With early diagnosis and detection of the first symptoms, the survival prognosis is good.

In the early stages, with full treatment, patients can live into old age. Cancer will no longer bother them. In the later stages, patients live less. Survival is estimated at 10, 5 and 3 years, at grade 4 patients live 3-5 years, die from complications.

The first symptoms and signs of duodenal cancer in women

In connection with the characteristics of the female body, the following manifestations may come to the fore:

• Asthenovegetative syndrome.

It is manifested by weakness, malaise, weakness, depression, a sharp change in mood, apathy. The syndrome proceeds for a long time, from 2 months.

• Stable subfebrile temperature.

Patients note a low temperature lasting more than 3 weeks, not associated with respiratory viral and other diseases. The figures fluctuate in the range of 37.3-37.8 degrees.

• Anemia syndrome or anemia.

Pallor of the skin, dizziness, brittle nails and hair, peeling, itchy skin appear. In the general analysis of blood, a decrease in the level of hemoglobin is observed.

• Violation of menstrual function.

There may be profuse bleeding or vice versa, absent for a long time.

• Pain in the epigastrium, nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the hypochondrium on the right.
• Change from persistent diarrhea to constipation.

Symptoms of duodenal bulb cancer

Most often, of all departments, the bulb of the duodenum is more susceptible to cancer. This is due to its anatomical features. It is located on the border between the stomach and the intestine itself.

The stomach is acidic, while the intestines are alkaline. A sharp drop in the change of media adversely affects the mucosa. Protective mechanisms do not always fully work, hence the pathology arises.

What symptoms accompany the disease:

• Pain in the area of ​​​​the substrate, which can be given to the right side of the abdomen. By nature, aching, intense, constant.
• A clear symptom of cancer is a bright prolonged jaundice, not associated with cholestasis. First, the sclera, visible mucous membranes turn yellow, then the skin joins. Jaundice has an earthy-lemon hue.
• Loss of body weight.
• Debilitating heartburn that can't be cured.
• Bloating, profuse flatulence with difficulty passing.
• Edema on the extremities developing into ascites.
• Intestinal obstruction.

In the later stages, symptoms of complications join:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Vomiting blood.
• Blood impurities in the stool.
• Expansion of the veins of the esophagus.
• shock states.
• Infectious-toxic shock.
• Coma, encephalopathy.

Treatment of the disease

Rational and complete treatment can be prescribed only by an experienced oncologist. Treatment of duodenal cancer is reduced to the use of surgical and conservative methods.

Surgical methods are divided into radical and non-radical.

• Radical operations are those in which the organ, a block of lymph nodes adjacent to the intestine, is completely removed.
• Non-radical are carried out in order to excise the tumor at its advanced stages in order to prolong the life of the patient.

Gastropancreatoduodenal resection is a radical one. During this operation, part of the stomach, the entire duodenum, the head of the pancreas and regional lymph nodes are removed.

Metastatic foci are removed surgically, cryodestruction, laser technology. These are new techniques in operative surgery. Foci of metastasis are cauterized with current, high temperatures or a laser, soldering adjacent tissues in order to prevent the growth of new areas.

After surgery, a block of chemotherapy is prescribed. Pharmaceutical drugs are used that have a negative effect on cancer cells, killing them.

The drugs are very toxic and have side effects. They are used strictly in a hospital under the supervision of medical personnel. Radiation therapy is prescribed to prevent relapses.

In order to prevent complications, antibiotics, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, antispasmodics, painkillers, prokinetics, enzymes, choleretic drugs are prescribed. Each patient has an individual approach.

With stage 4 and a rapidly progressive course, palliative treatment is used. Measures are taken to alleviate the life and suffering of the patient.

These include non-radical surgery, palliative chemotherapy, the introduction of parenteral nutrition through a vein bypassing the digestive tract, antibiotic therapy, and full pain relief.

Symptoms of the disease differ in the early and late stages of development.

early stages.

Duodenal cancer is quite difficult to diagnose in the early stages, since there are practically no symptoms. The only manifestation of the disease may be pain. As a rule, it is dull, a feeling of heaviness occurs in the upper abdomen. Most often, the pain bothers the patient on an empty stomach or at night (“hungry” pains).

late stages.

With all oncological diseases, the so-called tumor intoxication (cancer intoxication - poisoning of the body with harmful substances), which may vary depending on the stage of the disease, the condition of the patient, the size of the tumor, the presence or absence of concomitant pathology (disease), etc. It includes several symptoms.

• General weakness, fatigue and loss of interest in normal work, depression, mental retardation, headaches and dizziness, sleep disturbance (drowsiness during the day, insomnia at night).
• Decreased appetite up to anorexia (severe weight loss), cachexia (degree of extreme exhaustion).
• Cyanosis (cyanosis) and pallor, yellowness of the skin is possible.
• Dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes.
• An increase in body temperature - from subfebrile (37 ° C) to hectic (39 ° C and above).
• Excessive sweating (especially at night).
• Various types of anemia (anemia).
• Reduced immunity and, consequently, the body's resistance to infections.
• Nausea and vomiting.

It is also possible to develop symptoms such as:

• vomiting of recently eaten food with stenosis (narrowing) of the pyloroduodenal region (the area where the stomach passes into the duodenum);
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin) - with compression of the biliary tract, due to progressive obstruction of the duodenum 12 (narrowing of the lumen of the duodenum due to a tumor);
• melena (the presence of blood in the stool) in the event of bleeding from the tumor.

Forms

Kinds:

• duodenal cancer (a malignant neoplasm (the type of cells is not similar to the type of cells of the organ from which it originated) from the epithelial (covering) tissue of the duodenum 12);
• cancer of the major duodenal papilla (malignant neoplasm of the papilla of the duodenum 12 (elevation on the duodenum 12, having a hole through which bile and pancreatic (produced by the pancreas) juice enters the duodenum));
• lymphosarcoma (malignant neoplasm arising from lymphatic tissue);
• leiomyosarcoma (malignant neoplasm arising from smooth muscles);
• fibrosarcoma (malignant neoplasm arising from connective tissue);
• malignant neuroma (malignant neoplasm arising from the sheath of nerves).

By type of growth allocate:

• exophytic tumor (grows into the intestinal lumen)
• endophytic tumor (grows outside the intestine).

Also allocate 4 stages diseases.

• I stage - a small, clearly delimited (separated from other tissues) tumor located in the thickness of the mucous membrane and submucosal layer of the duodenum 12. There are no regional metastases (new foci of malignant (cell type differs from the type of cells of the organ from which they originated) cells that have moved from the organ where the tumor originally arose to other organs).
• II stage - a tumor that grows into the muscular layers of the duodenum, but is not soldered to neighboring organs. In the nearest regional lymph nodes, single metastases occur.
• III stage - a tumor of considerable size that extends beyond the wall of the duodenum, growing into neighboring organs, or the same tumor (or smaller) with multiple regional metastases.
• IV stage - a tumor of any size and any nature in the presence of distant metastases.

The severity of the tumor process is assessed according to several criteria (size and spread of the tumor, metastases in the lymph nodes and distant organs). For this, the TNM classification is used (Tumor (tumor) Nodulus (node) Metastasis (metastases (spread) to other organs)).

• T - the size and extent of the duodenal tumor.
  • T1 - the tumor begins to grow through the inner wall of the duodenum 12.
  • T2 - the tumor begins to grow into the muscular layer of the wall of the duodenum 12.
  • T3 - the tumor begins to grow through the superficial membrane of the duodenum 12.
  • T4 The tumor has completely grown through the wall of the duodenum.

• N - the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
  • N0 - There are no cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
  • N1 - cancer cells are found in 1-2 lymph nodes near the duodenum 12.
  • N3 - Cancer cells are found in 3-6 adjacent lymph nodes.

• M - the spread of cancer to other organs distant from the duodenum.
  • M0 The cancer has not spread to other organs.
  • M1 The cancer has spread to organs distant from the duodenum.

The reasons

presenter cause no malignant neoplasms of the duodenum were detected.

predisposing factors.

• Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract).
• Hereditary (transmitted from parents to children) forms of diffuse intestinal polyposis (formations on the intestinal mucosa of many polyps (small tumor-like growths of cells protruding into the intestinal lumen) of various shapes and sizes).
• Vile (villous) adenomas (benign (the cell type of the tumor is similar to the type of cells of the organ from which it was formed) tumors resembling a cauliflower in shape, very soft consistency, often reach large sizes).
• The presence of malignant neoplasms in relatives.
• Bad habits (alcohol and smoking).
• Unbalanced and irrational nutrition (excessive consumption of salty, smoked foods, lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet).

Diagnostics

• Analysis of the history of the disease and complaints (when (how long ago) did pain in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, belching, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, swollen cervical lymph nodes appear; with what the patient associates the occurrence of these symptoms).
• Analysis of the patient's life history (the patient has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (such as: Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract); hereditary (transmitted from parents to children) forms of diffuse intestinal polyposis (formation on the intestinal mucosa many polyps (small tumor-like growths of cells protruding into the intestinal lumen) of various shapes and sizes); soft consistency, often reaching large sizes)); bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking)).
• Analysis of a family history (presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as oncological diseases in relatives).
• Physical examination data (examination of the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes; the doctor may detect jaundice (yellowing of the skin), cachexia (extreme exhaustion)).
• Laboratory research.
  • Complete blood count (detection of anemia (anemia)).
  • Detection of tumor markers (special proteins released in certain tumors) in the blood and urine. There are no specific tumor markers for duodenal cancer.
  • Urinalysis (the presence of proteinuria (protein in the urine), erythrocyturia (the presence of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the urine) is possible).
  • Fecal analysis (microscopic examination may reveal blood in the stool).
  • A detailed biochemical blood test (an increase in the level of albumin (protein) is possible).

• Instrumental research methods.
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure during which the doctor examines and evaluates the condition of the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a special optical instrument (endoscope) with a mandatory biopsy (taking a fragment of an organ to determine the structure of its tissue and cells).
  • X-ray examination with double contrasting of the stomach and duodenum with a suspension of barium. It is used to determine irregularities in the duodenum, which may indirectly indicate the presence of a neoplasm in it.
  • X-ray examination of the chest. It is used to determine the presence of metastases (new foci of malignant (cell type is not similar to the type of cells of the organ from which they originated) cells that have moved from the organ where the tumor originally arose to other distant organs) in the lungs.
  • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs to establish the presence of a duodenal tumor, as well as the presence of metastases in the liver, pancreas.
  • Computed tomography (CT) to detect a duodenal tumor, the degree of compression of neighboring organs by it.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more accurate diagnostic method than computed tomography. It is carried out to detect a tumor of the duodenum 12.
• Consultations are also possible.

Treatment of malignant tumors of the duodenum 12

• Surgery. Removal of the tumor by surgery. This removes part of the duodenum. Surgical treatment is possible for people under 75 years of age, in the absence of metastases (new foci of malignant cells that have moved from the organ where the tumor originally arose to other distant organs) and in the absence of severe comorbidities.
• Chemotherapy. Treatment with drugs aimed at the destruction of tumor cells. Chemotherapy stops or slows the growth of cancer cells, which divide and grow rapidly.
• Radiation therapy. The use of radiation for the treatment of tumors. It is mainly used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery.

Complications and consequences

Forecast the more favorable, the earlier a malignant neoplasm was detected and the treatment was faster.

In the presence of metastases (new foci of malignant cells that have moved from the organ where the tumor originally arose to other distant organs), the prognosis worsens and the risk of death (death) increases.

Complications.

• Metastases (new foci of malignant cells that have moved from the organ where the tumor originally arose to other distant organs).
• Perforation of the tumor (formation of a hole in the wall of the duodenum) with the development of peritonitis (severe inflammation of the abdominal organs).
• Duodenal stenosis (a significant reduction or narrowing of the lumen of the duodenum 12) - most often occurs when the tumor reaches a large size.
• The occurrence of bleeding from a tumor of the duodenum 12.
• Significant weight loss up to cachexia (extreme exhaustion).

Prevention of malignant tumors of the duodenum 12

There is no specific prevention of malignant neoplasms of the duodenum. Recommended:

• stop drinking alcohol and smoking;
• rationally and balanced diet (refuse excessive consumption of too salty, fried, smoked, pickled foods; increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet);
• timely and adequately treat diseases predisposing to the development of a malignant tumor of the duodenum (for example, Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract); villous (villous) adenomas (benign (the type of tumor cells is similar to the type of cells of the organ from which it is formed) tumors resembling cauliflower in shape, very soft consistency, often reach large sizes));
• regularly undergo examination in persons over 50 years of age and with the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (1 time per year).