Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare case of undifferentiated carcinoma, a type of cancer, in the small intestine. The patient, a 55-year-old man, came in with stomach pain and was found to have severe anemia. An abdominal CT scan showed a small tumor in his intestine and multiple tumors in his liver. They were able to see a bleeding tumor using a capsule endoscopy, a procedure where you swallow a tiny camera that takes pictures of your digestive tract. A biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

The doctors decided to remove the tumor, part of the small intestine, and some enlarged lymph nodes. After surgery, they confirmed that it was indeed an undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma, a type of cancer that is difficult to treat and often has a poor prognosis. The patient was discharged 6 days after the surgery and was scheduled for chemotherapy. There was no evidence of this specific type of cancer after the procedure. The research paper also reviews other cases reported in medical literature.

FAQs

  1. What is undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma?
  2. What are the symptoms of undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma?
  3. How is undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma diagnosed and treated?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding postoperative care, including taking any prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also help support your recovery after intestinal resection surgery. If you have any concerns or experience any new symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor for further evaluation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended intestinal resection include those with intestinal tumors, particularly those with suspected or confirmed intestinal carcinoma. In this case, the patient presented with epigastralgia and anemia, which led to the discovery of a small intestinal tumor with liver metastases. Capsule endoscopy confirmed the presence of a bleeding tumor, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma.

Surgery, specifically intestinal resection, was recommended in this case to remove the tumor and affected part of the small intestine and lymph nodes. Postoperative chemotherapy was planned for the patient to further treat the cancer.

Overall, patients with suspected or confirmed intestinal tumors, particularly those with aggressive features like undifferentiated carcinoma, may be recommended for intestinal resection as part of their treatment plan.

Timeline

  • December 2018: Patient presents with epigastralgia and is found to have a high degree of anemia.
  • Imaging studies reveal a small intestinal tumor with liver metastases.
  • Capsule endoscopy confirms the presence of a bleeding tumor.
  • Biopsy confirms the diagnosis of undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma.
  • Surgery is performed to resect the tumor, part of the small intestine, and enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Patient is discharged on the 6th postoperative day.
  • Scheduled to receive postoperative chemotherapy.
  • Follow-up shows no evidence of undifferentiated intestinal carcinoma.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal resection?
  2. How will the surgery impact my digestion and bowel movements?
  3. Will I need a temporary or permanent colostomy or ileostomy after the surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after intestinal resection?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my condition?
  7. What dietary changes or restrictions will I need to follow after the surgery?
  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or recurrence of the cancer?
  9. Are there any support groups or resources available to help me cope with the emotional and physical challenges of intestinal resection?

Reference

Authors: Takahashi D, Aoyama T, Numata M, Tamagawa H, Sugawara K, Kushida Y, Takata K, Suzuki Y, Ozawa Y, Yoneyama K, Masuda M, Rino Y. Journal: Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2019 Oct;46(10):1635-1637. PMID: 31631159