Catching Small Bowel Tumors Early: A Vital Role for Capsule Endoscopy

Epidemiology

Small bowel neoplasms account for only 3 % of GI cancers but often present late because symptoms mimic benign disorders.

High-Risk Groups

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Long-standing Crohn’s disease
• Neurofibromatosis type 1

Diagnostic Power

Capsule endoscopy detects tumors <2 cm with 83 % sensitivity, outperforming barium studies and rivaling MR enterography for mucosal lesions.

Management Pathway

Positive findings prompt device-assisted enteroscopy for biopsy or endoscopic resection.

Key Takeaways

• Early visualization can shift survival curves upward.
• Targeted screening for genetic syndromes is cost-effective.
• AI-driven lesion detection shortens review time for clinicians.