X-ray imaging features of small intestinal adenocarcinoma

Small intestinal adenocarcinoma is a type of intestinal cancer, a malignant tumor caused by small intestinal mucosal lesions. Among small intestinal adenocarcinomas, adenocarcinomas occurring in the duodenum often show symptoms earlier and are easier to diagnose and treat. However, most patients with small intestinal adenocarcinoma often have metastasized when a clear diagnosis is made. This is because the small intestinal mucosa is rich in lymphatic vessels, so it can be connected to the adjacent mucosal cavity through villi, thus having a tendency to metastasize earlier.

X-ray imaging is one of the auxiliary examination items for the diagnosis of small intestinal adenocarcinoma. The X-ray imaging manifestations of small intestinal adenocarcinoma are as follows.

1. Mass-type adenocarcinoma: irregular lobed or cauliflower-shaped filling defects in the intestinal cavity, which often cause intussusception; if ulcers are formed, irregular intracavitary niches will appear.

2. Invasive stenotic adenocarcinoma: The intestinal cavity is annular and concentrically narrowed, and lesions protrude into the intestinal cavity at the proximal and distal ends of the narrowed segment, making the diseased segment of the intestinal cavity appear like an "apple core", with the core being a cancerous ulcer.

3. The intestinal cavity near the lesion often has different degrees of expansion, and sometimes a "back pressure sign" may appear at one or both ends of the lesion. This is because the intestinal tract in the lesion area is clearly separated from the normal intestinal tract above and below it, and the barium cannot pass through the lesion area. At this time, the normal intestinal tract with frequent and enhanced peristalsis covers the mass.

4. When the mucosal folds in the lesion site are destroyed and disappear, the tube wall becomes stiff and peristalsis disappears.