Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, scale-like cells lining the small intestine — the long, winding tube that connects your stomach to your large intestine. The small intestine has three sections: the duodenum (closest to the stomach), the jejunum (the middle section), and the ileum (the last section before the large intestine). This cancer can develop in any of these sections. It is sometimes called small bowel squamous cell carcinoma or small intestinal SCC. Because squamous cells are not normally found in large numbers in the small intestine, this type of cancer is extremely uncommon — even among small intestine cancers, which are themselves rare. This cancer can block the normal flow of food and digestive fluids through the intestine, causing pain, nausea, and weight loss. It may also cause bleeding inside the intestine. Symptoms often appear late, which makes early diagnosis difficult. The tumor can spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other organs such as the liver. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Because this cancer is so rare, treatment decisions are often guided by what works for squamous cell carcinomas in other parts of the body, as well as by the general approach used for other small intestine cancers. A team of specialists works together to create the best plan for each patient.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Abdominal pain or crampingUnexplained weight lossNausea and vomitingFeeling full quickly after eatingDark or tarry stools (a sign of internal bleeding)Blood in the stoolFatigue and weaknessBloating or swelling of the abdomenDiarrhea or changes in bowel habitsYellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) if the tumor is near the bile ductA lump or mass that can sometimes be felt in the abdomen
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has the cancer spread beyond the small intestine, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Is surgery possible in my case, and what type of surgery would be recommended?,Should my tumor be tested for specific molecular markers that might guide treatment, such as immunotherapy eligibility?,Are there any clinical trials I might qualify for given how rare this cancer is?,What are the likely side effects of the recommended treatment, and how will they affect my daily life?,Should I be tested for underlying conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or a hereditary cancer syndrome?,What nutritional support will I need during and after treatment?
Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine
What is Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, scale-like cells lining the small intestine — the long, winding tube that connects your stomach to your large intestine. The small intestine has three sections: the duodenum (closest to the stomach), the jejunum (the middle section), and the ileum (the last section before the large intestine). This cancer can develop in any of these sections. It is sometimes called small bowel squamous cell carcinoma or small intestinal SCC. Because squamous cells are not normally found in large numbers in the
How is Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine inherited?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine typically begin?
Typical onset of Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine?
13 specialists and care centers treating Squamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.