Early Signs and Symptoms of Duodenal Cancer

Located between the stomach and the small intestine, the duodenum plays a crucial role in the digestive system. In its early stages, duodenal cancer often presents no distinct symptoms, making early detection challenging.

Challenges in Early Detection

Most early-stage duodenal cancers develop on the mucosal lining of the duodenum and typically do not cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, many cases are discovered incidentally during routine endoscopic examinations. For example, one case involved a patient who was found to have a 0.6 cm early-stage duodenal tumor during a standard gastroscopy. The tumor was successfully removed during the procedure. However, such early diagnoses are rare. More commonly, patients undergo endoscopy for unrelated reasons and are found to have duodenal polyps, which upon removal are diagnosed as early-stage cancer.

Signs of Tumors in the Ampulla of Vater

Cancers located in the ampulla of Vater, where the bile duct and pancreatic duct empty into the duodenum, may present symptoms earlier than other types. Because this area has a narrow passage, even small tumors can cause blockages. This obstruction can prevent bile from flowing properly, leading to jaundice—characterized by yellowing of the eyes and dark urine. In some cases, the blockage may also trigger acute pancreatitis. These symptoms can serve as early warning signs, prompting medical evaluation and potentially earlier diagnosis.

Why Duodenal Cancer Often Goes Undetected

Unlike gastric cancer, duodenal cancer is relatively rare. Additionally, there are no consistent or specific early symptoms associated with the disease. As a result, most diagnoses occur at more advanced stages when complications like intestinal obstruction or gastrointestinal bleeding arise.

In summary, due to the lack of clear early indicators, duodenal cancer is often identified during endoscopic exams or after more severe symptoms develop. Awareness of risk factors and regular screening may help in detecting the disease at a more treatable stage.