Cancer of the small bowels typically comes in the form of an adenocarcinoma, which is a type of cancerous tumor that arises from mucus secreting cells in the lining of the small intestine. The symptoms of this type of cancer can be vague and non-specific, making diagnosis difficult. It often takes more than six months from the appearance of symptoms for the cancer to be diagnosed, the American Cancer Society explains.
Abdominal Pain
One of the first symptoms of cancer of the small intestine, the American Cancer Society explains, is pain in the stomach. Early in the course of the condition, the pain may only appear after eating, or the pain may be intensified. As the tumor grows, the pain will increase both in severity and for the length of time that it lasts.
Diarrhea
Another common symptom of small bowel cancer is chronic diarrhea, the American Society of Clinical Oncology notes. Because the tumor can cause bleeding in the small intestines, there may be evidence of blood in the stool. Sometimes the blood will appear as bright red streaks in the feces. In other cases the fecal material will appear black and tarry; this is known as melena, and is the result of bacteria breaking down the blood as it travels through the intestinal tract.
Weight Loss
Small bowel cancer can also result in weight loss, the National Cancer Institute. Patients may lose 10 lbs. or more over the course of two months with no readily identifiable cause.
Abdominal Lump
Patients with small bowel cancer may also develop a lump in their abdomen, which is a result of the tumor growing and taking up space. The mass in the abdomen may be palpable.
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is caused by the tumor getting large enough that it prevents food from passing through the intestines, states the American Cancer Society. This can lead to sudden pain that rapidly gets worse, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Anemia
Chronic blood loss as a result of small bowel cancer can cause anemia. This will cause patients to be pale, fatigued and tired.
