About this condition
Growths in the small intestine can be benign or malignant and are less common than large-bowel lesions. Symptoms may be subtle and overlap with many other gastrointestinal conditions.
What matters most
Small-bowel disease can cause intermittent abdominal pain or abnormal nutrient absorption, but the presence of these symptoms does not establish a tumour. Some growths are discovered only after investigation for anaemia or obstruction.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
Recurring pain, bloating, nausea, reduced appetite, unexplained weight loss or fatigue from anaemia may develop. Vomiting and stopped bowel passage can appear if a lesion narrows the bowel.
How it differs from similar conditions
Ordinary colonoscopy mostly examines the large bowel, so it does not assess every part of the small intestine. Functional and inflammatory disorders can resemble a small-bowel growth.
Assessment and investigations
Assessment may involve blood tests and selected imaging or specialist endoscopic methods, depending on suspected location and symptoms. Tissue diagnosis is sought when appropriate and feasible.
Care options and limitations
Care depends on tissue type, site and extent and may require more than one specialty. No single medicine or operation is suitable for every small-bowel growth.
When emergency help is needed
Sudden strong or increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, severe bloating or stopped gas passage raises concern for bowel obstruction. Seek emergency hospital care; call 103 or 112 for severe deterioration.
Related information
Large-bowel growths and tumours; Bowel obstruction; Medicine-related and post-infectious enterocolitis.
Signs and symptoms
Recurring pain, bloating, nausea, reduced appetite, unexplained weight loss or fatigue from anaemia may develop. Vomiting and stopped bowel passage can appear if a lesion narrows the bowel.
Diagnosis and tests
Assessment may involve blood tests and selected imaging or specialist endoscopic methods, depending on suspected location and symptoms. Tissue diagnosis is sought when appropriate and feasible.
Care and treatment approaches
Care depends on tissue type, site and extent and may require more than one specialty. No single medicine or operation is suitable for every small-bowel growth.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden strong or increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, severe bloating or stopped gas passage raises concern for bowel obstruction. Seek emergency hospital care; call 103 or 112 for severe deterioration.
Frequently asked questions
Are small- and large-bowel tumours the same?
No. They differ in frequency, tissue types and which investigations can assess them.
Does a small-bowel growth always cause pain?
No. Some lesions produce few or no symptoms until they are found during investigation.
Is ordinary colonoscopy always sufficient?
No. Parts of the small intestine may require other, specifically selected tests.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
