Go Back To Menu
Close
- Mailing Form
-
Medical Report*
-
Go Back To Menu
Duodenal cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine. It is a rare gastrointestinal cancer, accounting for about 1%-2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Due to the unique location of the duodenum, adjacent to the bile duct and pancreas, its malignancy often involves other organs, leading to complex symptoms and frequent misdiagnosis.
This disease is more common in men over 50 years old, especially those with a family history, gallbladder disease, or long-term smoking and drinking habits. Globally, countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan conduct early screenings, while in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, limited medical resources often result in late-stage detection. Advanced patients are prone to obstruction, jaundice, and rapid weight loss, severely affecting quality of life.
Stage I: Localized lesion, favorable prognosis
The cancer cells are confined to the mucosa or submucosa of the duodenum, without invasion of the deeper muscular layer or adjacent organs. Symptoms are very mild at this stage, with only mild bloating, fatigue, or indigestion. If surgically removed in time, the 5-year survival rate can reach 75%-85%.
Stage II: Local extension, worsening symptoms
The cancer cells have invaded the muscular layer or adjacent bile duct tissue but have not metastasized distantly. Patients may present with persistent upper abdominal pain, intermittent nausea, or jaundice. At this stage, surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy results in a 5-year survival rate of about 55%-65%.
Stage III: Regional lymph node metastasis
The cancer cells have spread to surrounding lymph nodes, and clinical symptoms become obvious, including significant weight loss, poor appetite, and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment becomes more complex, requiring multidisciplinary cooperation, and the 5-year survival rate drops to 30%-40%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, difficult treatment
The cancer cells have spread distantly to organs such as the liver and lungs, presenting with intractable jaundice, severe anemia, and intense abdominal pain, with a significant decline in quality of life. Treatment mainly involves immune reconstitution cell therapy combined with targeted and palliative chemotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 15%.
1. Upper abdominal dull pain and bloating
Early duodenal cancer patients often experience mild upper abdominal distension and pain, usually after meals, which is easily mistaken for gastritis or functional dyspepsia. The pain is typically dull and not severe, but as the disease progresses, it may worsen, become persistent, more obvious at night, and difficult to relieve.
2. Loss of appetite and weight loss
As the tumor affects bile and pancreatic juice secretion, fat digestion and absorption are impaired, leading to aversion to fatty foods, nausea, and other indigestion symptoms. Body weight declines significantly in a short time. Such non-dietary weight loss should raise high suspicion.
3. Nausea and vomiting
When the tumor compresses the duodenum or the pancreatic head, food passage is obstructed, causing postprandial nausea, acid reflux, and in severe cases, vomiting of undigested food or bile, further worsening malnutrition.
4. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Some patients experience bleeding due to tumor erosion and ulceration, manifested as black, tarry stools, accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, and pale complexion, indicating anemia. This type of bleeding is usually occult and chronic, requiring gastroscopy for diagnosis.
5. Jaundice and skin itching
When the tumor involves or compresses the common bile duct, bile cannot enter the intestines, causing bilirubin accumulation. Symptoms include yellowing of the sclera and skin, severe itching, and darkened urine, suggesting progression to an advanced stage.
6. Changes in bowel habits
Reduced bile and pancreatic juice secretion slows intestinal motility, leading to constipation, loose stools, or mucus-streaked stools. Some patients experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, reflecting impaired digestive and absorptive function.
7. Referred back pain
In middle and late stages, tumor invasion of the pancreas or mesenteric plexus often causes dull or persistent pain radiating from the right upper abdomen to the back. Such pain is not relieved by gastric medications and serves as a "warning" symptom.
8. Anemia and fatigue
Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and reduced nutrient intake lead to chronic anemia, manifesting as dizziness, limb weakness, and poor concentration, particularly common in women and the elderly. Blood tests are needed for monitoring.
9. Gallbladder enlargement
Some patients develop painless gallbladder enlargement, with a palpable mass in the right upper abdomen. This is the classic Courvoisier sign, suggesting common bile duct compression and indicating advanced duodenal cancer.
10. Symptoms of distant metastasis
If cancer cells spread to the lungs, patients may develop chronic cough and chest pain; if metastasized to the liver, symptoms include liver tenderness and abnormal liver function tests. These symptoms indicate systemic disease spread.
Although duodenal cancer is rare, its early symptoms are insidious and highly similar to common digestive system diseases, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that individuals with persistent upper abdominal pain, jaundice, decreased appetite, or unexplained weight loss should seek medical attention promptly and undergo endoscopic and imaging examinations. Early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and immune reconstitution cell therapy can help prolong survival and improve prognosis.
