Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine as an unusual cause of hypochromic anemia

Summary

In this particular case of a patient with hypochronic anemia dissipation character, we highlight the pitfalls encountered in diagnosing this relatively rare adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. In the discussion section, we show that algorithms used in outpatient clinics or by hospital doctors unnecessarily complicate diagnosis by engendering multiple basic endoscopy interventions and conversely methods from which it is already in medicine diversion. On the other hand, it should be noted that the availability of sophisticated investigative techniques, such as enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy, is still not optimal in some regions. Physicians often face long order deadlines, which can discourage patients and reduce cooperation with the doctor. A good prognosis and five-year patient survival depends on an early diagnosis and radical surgery. Clinical symptoms are relatively inconspicuous and the physician must be attentive to subtle changes in the patient. When significant symptoms are apparent, such as palpable resistance or disorders passages, the patient is often in the advanced stage of the disease and radical surgery is impossible. In these cases, only palliative surgery followed by oncology therapy or purely symptomatic treatment is applicable. The average time to diagnosis takes between 8 and 12 months or longer. The clinician should not be content with one negative result if there is still a suspicion of an organic cause. The patient should be properly investigated and in case of doubt, the doctor should not be afraid to ask for a consultation with another specialist or the doctor should encourage the patient to visit a clinic more specialized in the disease.

Key words:
bleeding – small intestine – adenocarcinoma – anemia – colonoscopy – capsule endoscopy

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE „uniform requirements“ for biomedical papers.

Submitted:
8. 6. 2016

Accepted:
20. 11. 2016