What are the symptoms of duodenal cancer

Common symptoms of duodenal cancer include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. Symptoms are not obvious in the early stage, but may be accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding in the late stage. Treatment should be based on the condition, with the choice of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, while attention should be paid to dietary conditioning and psychological support.

1. Abdominal pain is one of the typical symptoms of duodenal cancer. It is often manifested as dull pain in the upper abdomen, which may worsen as the disease progresses. Abdominal pain is related to the compression of surrounding tissues or obstruction of the intestines by the tumor. Some patients may also experience worsening pain after meals. It is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner and confirm the diagnosis through endoscopic examination or imaging examination.

2. Weight loss is a common symptom of duodenal cancer, mainly because the tumor affects the digestion and absorption function, resulting in insufficient nutrient intake. Patients may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite and indigestion. During the treatment process, you can supplement your nutrition through a high-protein, high-calorie diet, such as eggs, milk, lean meat, etc., and use nutritional supplements when necessary.

3. Nausea and vomiting may be related to digestive tract obstruction or gastric emptying disorder caused by duodenal cancer. Tumor growth may block the intestines, making it difficult for food to pass smoothly. Treatments include surgical removal of the tumor, placement of stents to relieve obstruction, or use of antiemetic drugs such as metoclopramide and domperidone.

4. Jaundice is a symptom that may occur in the late stage of duodenal cancer, usually caused by tumor compression of the bile duct. Jaundice is manifested as yellowing of the skin and sclera, darkening of urine color, and lighter stool color. Treatment can be done by surgery to relieve bile duct compression, or by placing a bile duct stent to drain bile, while using liver-protecting drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid.

5. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious symptom of duodenal cancer, which may manifest as black stools or vomiting blood. Bleeding is related to tumor erosion of blood vessels and requires emergency medical treatment. Treatment methods include endoscopic hemostasis, surgical removal of the tumor, or the use of hemostatic drugs such as tranexamic acid.

Duodenal cancer has various symptoms, and early detection and treatment are crucial to prognosis. Patients should have regular physical examinations, especially when they have digestive discomfort, and seek medical treatment in time for a clear diagnosis. During the treatment process, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other comprehensive measures, while paying attention to nutritional support and psychological adjustment, can help improve the quality of life.