Why Choose Us for Small Intestine Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive expert, multidisciplinary care for small intestine (small bowel) cancers. Your care team includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. We work together to tailor your treatment plan focused on your needs and goals. Our approach combines evidence-informed care, advanced technology, and compassionate support to help you achieve the best possible outcome while preserving your quality of life.
“What makes Huntsman Cancer Institute unique is both its warmth and compassion. I truly admire everyone I work with and how they take care of patients. We work together to absolutely bring the best plan we can for our patients.”
Anna Chalmers, MD
Director of Inpatient Medical Oncology
Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on your cancer stage, location, and overall health. These are common options:
- Surgery (resection of affected bowel, lymph node removal)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy (systemic)
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy (when molecular markers are present)
- Multimodal approaches combining surgery with systemic or local therapies
- Clinical trials for novel agents or approaches
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we’re here to offer you the latest treatments and the highest level of care available, including expertise in the following:
- Individualized treatment approaches for rare and heterogeneous small intestine cancers
- Treatment for rare small bowel tumors (adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, sarcomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors)
- Multidisciplinary tumor boards to coordinate optimal treatment sequencing
- Integration of genetic and molecular profiling to guide targeted therapies
- Access to clinical trials and research specific to small intestine cancer
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Small Intestine Cancer Doctor
Small Intestine Cancer Research
Huntsman Cancer Institute is advancing research and treatment for small intestine cancer through its Gastrointestinal Cancers Disease Center, where experts collaborate to translate discoveries into patient care.
With the largest Phase 1 clinical trials program in the region, Huntsman Cancer Institute offers access to cutting-edge treatments for patients with small intestine cancer.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Small Intestine Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a small intestine cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Small Intestine Cancer Basics
Small intestine cancer (also called small bowel cancer) arises when malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the small intestine—the portion of the digestive tract between the stomach and colon. Multiple histologic types exist, including adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, GISTs, and others.
These are warning signs of small intestine cancer:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating, fullness, or distension
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bleeding (e.g., black or tarry stools)
- Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
- Obstruction symptoms (e.g., bowel blockage)
These cancers are rare and symptoms can be mild, so they can be hard to detect early.
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, please schedule a screening today.
These are risk factors for small intestine cancer:
- Familial syndromes (e.g., hereditary polyposis syndromes)
- Prior radiation exposure to the abdomen
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease or other chronic gastrointestinal conditions
- Environmental factors
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Diagnosis
Doctors may use the following to diagnose small intestine cancer:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Laboratory tests (blood work, tumor markers)
- Endoscopic evaluations (enteroscopy)
- Imaging (CT, MRI, PET) to visualize extent and spread
- Biopsy to confirm cancer subtype and molecular characterization
Staging
Staging is based on tumor depth (how far into bowel wall), involvement of lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastases. Specific staging systems differ by tumor histology.
When cancer spreads to another organ, the disease remains classified as small intestine cancer in that location (i.e., metastatic small intestine cancer).
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with resources and answers to your questions.
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