What kind of cancer is duodenal cancer?

Duodenal cancer affects the small intestine. National Cancer Institute explains that the duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and connects to the stomach. There are five types of cancer that may affect the small intestine, says NCI: sarcoma, lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

The Whipple operation is the most effective treatment of duodenal cancer and may cure the disease in patients with benign or beginning-stage cancer, says the Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Disease. The operation improves patient outcomes over chemotherapy alone. The Whipple operation involves the removal of the entire duodenum and gallbladder, as well as parts of the pancreas, stomach and attached bile duct, explains the Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Disease.