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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Small bowel obstruction caused by secondary tumors
Efraim Idelevich1, Hanoch Kashtan, Eli Mavor
1Institute of Oncology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. efraim_i@clalit.org.il
Surgical Oncology
|August 15, 2006
Summary
Small bowel obstruction in cancer patients can be caused by metastases from other organs. This review highlights the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of this rare but serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Small bowel obstruction is a common complication in oncology patients.
- While often caused by adhesions or peritoneal carcinomatosis, obstruction from metastatic disease to the small bowel wall is a less frequent cause.
- Improved cancer therapies lead to longer patient survival, increasing the likelihood of encountering rare neoplastic phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the medical literature on small bowel obstruction caused by secondary tumors (metastases).
- To define current knowledge regarding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of this condition.
- To enhance clinician awareness of this possibility in oncology patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of relevant medical studies.
- Analysis of reported cases of small bowel obstruction due to metastatic disease.
- Synthesis of epidemiological and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Metastases to the small bowel wall can cause obstruction, a rare but serious complication.
- Reported causes include metastases from breast, melanoma, osteosarcoma, prostate, and testicular cancers.
- Increased survival in cancer patients makes rare presentations more likely.
Conclusions:
- Small bowel obstruction from metastatic disease is an under-recognized cause of obstruction in cancer patients.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for metastatic small bowel obstruction in oncology patients.
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