A Mysterious Presentation of Small Bowel Stricture

Abstract

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy that accounts for a small percentage of gastrointestinal cancers. Diagnosis and management of small bowel adenocarcinoma can be challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. We present a case of a 51-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug use who presented with worsening abdominal pain and was found to have a small bowel obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a stricture in the jejunum caused by an intraluminal mass, which was resected. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal type, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the importance of considering small bowel adenocarcinoma as a possible etiology in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction, particularly in high-risk individuals. Early diagnosis and complete resection remain the mainstays of treatment for improved outcomes in small bowel adenocarcinoma.