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Article: Small Intestine Cancer
- Article from:
- Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Small intestine cancer
Definition
Cancer of the small intestine is a rare disease that results when abnormal, malignant cells divide out of control. Cancers in this location consist primarily of adeno-carcinoma,
lymphoma
, sarcoma, and carcinoid tumors.
Description
The small intestine is a long tube inside the abdomen divided into three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The function of the small intestine is to break down food and to remove proteins, carbohydrates, fats,
vitamins
, and minerals. Obstruction of the small intestine by cancer may impair normal passage and digestion of food and nutrients.
Adenocarcinoma
These malignancies most often start in the lining of ...