Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Duodenal Cancer

The Medical Negligence Team at Geldards LLP have experience in dealing with cases involving all types of cancer, even the rarer forms of cancer such as duodenal cancer.

Duodenal cancer is a form of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. The small bowel or small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine. Its primary function is the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food. There are three distinct regions of the small bowel: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. The duodenum is the shortest part of the small bowel, which connects to the stomach.

Small bowel cancer is rare with around 1,500 patients diagnosed in the UK per year (less than 1% of all cancers). Most small bowel cancers are found in the duodenum and the incidence of small bowel cancer is increasing.

Most of the symptoms associated with duodenal cancer are non-specific in nature which means that it can be more difficult to diagnose. In addition, there can be difficulties visualising the tumours using the usual endoscopic techniques, which unfortunately can result in delayed diagnosis.

If you have experienced a delay in diagnosis of duodenal cancer or have any questions about a bowel cancer case and would like to speak with a clinical negligence specialist solicitor, please contact Linda Williams on 02920 391773 and Linda.Williams@geldards.com.