Small Bowel Cancer

Overview

Despite its name, the small bowel (small intestine) is 15 to 20 feet long. It is coiled into loops to fit inside the abdomen. The small bowel's function is to break down and absorb food, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Unlike cancer of the colon (large intestine), small bowel cancer is rare. Major types of small bowel cancer include adenocarcinomas (ad-uh-no-kahr-si-NO-muhs), carcinoid tumors, sarcomas (including gastrointestinal stromal tumors) and lymphomas.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Nationally known for their skills, Mayo Clinic surgeons perform a large number of gastrointestinal surgeries each year. Mayo Clinic has long been a referral center for small bowel cancer, particularly carcinoid tumors, with expertise in medical and surgical management.
• Latest technology. Mayo Clinic offers advanced technology for diagnosing small bowel disease, which provides a more extensive view and evaluation of the small bowel. The latest treatments include minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery and small bowel-sparing procedures.
• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Gastrointestinal Program (GI Program). The GI Program conducts clinical research in eight different disease sites, including the small bowel, to benefit people who have gastrointestinal cancers and those at risk.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.