Small intestine cancer represents a less common form of gastrointestinal malignancy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of survival rates for small intestine cancer, examining how various elements, including the extent of the disease and its specific type, influence prognosis.
Understanding Survival Rate Statistics
When discussing cancer outcomes, the “5-year relative survival rate” is a commonly used statistic. This rate compares the survival of individuals diagnosed with a specific cancer to the survival of people in the general population who are of a similar age, race, and sex but do not have that cancer. For instance, an 80% rate indicates that people with a particular cancer are 80% as likely to live for at least five years after diagnosis as individuals without the cancer. It is important to remember that these figures are derived from large groups of people and cannot precisely predict an individual’s specific outcome. Many factors beyond these statistics can affect a person’s journey. Data for these survival rates are frequently compiled from extensive databases, such as the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States. These statistics are based on individuals diagnosed and treated several years prior, meaning current advancements in treatment may lead to improved outcomes for those diagnosed today.
Survival Rates by Cancer Stage
The stage of small intestine cancer at the time of diagnosis significantly influences survival rates. The SEER database classifies cancer into three main stages based on how far it has spread. These classifications provide a general framework for understanding the disease’s progression. It is important to note that these stages differ from the more detailed AJCC TNM staging system.
For cancers classified as “Localized,” meaning the cancer is confined to the wall of the small intestine, the 5-year relative survival rate for individuals diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 was 85.6%. This indicates a higher likelihood of long-term survival when detected early.
When the cancer is categorized as “Regional,” it signifies that the disease has spread outside the wall of the small intestine to nearby structures or regional lymph nodes. For individuals with regional small intestine cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate during the same period was 79.6%.
Conversely, a “Distant” stage diagnosis means the cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or peritoneum. The 5-year relative survival rate for distant small intestine cancer diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 was 46.6%.
Influence of Cancer Type on Survival
Small intestine cancer encompasses several distinct histological types, each with unique biological behaviors and prognoses. The specific type of tumor plays a substantial role in determining an individual’s survival outlook, independent of the cancer’s stage.
Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of small intestine cancer, originating in the glandular cells lining the small intestine. These tumors account for approximately 30% to 40% of small intestine malignancies. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for small intestine adenocarcinoma between 2015 and 2021 was 71.1%.
Neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid tumors, arise from neuroendocrine cells that produce hormones and regulate digestive processes. These tumors generally have a more favorable prognosis compared to other types. For neuroendocrine cancers, the 5-year relative survival rate reported between 1992 and 2005 was 80.7%. Early-stage carcinoid tumors have a particularly high 5-year survival rate, reaching 95%.
Sarcomas, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), develop in the connective tissues like muscle or cartilage within the small intestine. These are less common, making up about 10% of small intestine malignancies. The 5-year relative survival rate for sarcomas of the small intestine was reported as 57.9% between 1992 and 2005.
Lymphomas, which originate in lymphocyte cells, represent about 15% to 20% of small intestine cancers. The most common subtype is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The 5-year relative survival rate for lymphomas in the small intestine was 64.1% between 1992 and 2005.
Other Factors Affecting Prognosis
Beyond the cancer’s stage and type, several other patient-specific and tumor-specific factors can significantly influence prognosis for small intestine cancer. Medical teams consider these variables to develop a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s outlook.
The ability to completely remove the tumor through surgery, known as tumor resectability, is a major determinant of outcome. When the tumor can be entirely resected, the chances of long-term survival generally improve.
The tumor grade, which describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow and spread, also plays a role. Higher-grade tumors, characterized by more aggressive cell appearance, typically indicate a less favorable prognosis. A patient’s age and their overall health at the time of diagnosis are also influential. Younger individuals and those with fewer underlying health conditions often tolerate treatment better and may have more favorable outcomes.
The precise location of the tumor within the small intestine—duodenum, jejunum, or ileum—can also affect prognosis. For instance, carcinomas located in the duodenum may have a less favorable 1- and 5-year relative survival compared to those in the jejunum or ileum.