What Types of Cancer are Associated with Celiac Disease?
There are three types of cancer associated with celiac disease: enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. It is important to remember, however, that developing cancer due to celiac disease is quite rare. The vast majority of those with celiac disease will never develop these related cancers. Symptoms of these cancers may include weight loss, abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and fever. The risk of cancer varies in those with celiac disease; those who have had more intestinal healing appear to be at lower risk than those who continue to have persistent damage.
What is the Connection between Cancer and Celiac Disease?
- Past studies have shown that the risk of lymphoma is slightly higher in people with celiac disease than in the rest of the population
- A study from 2022 suggests that this increased risk of cancer in those with celiac disease is small and limited to patients diagnosed after 40
- Following a strict gluten-free diet can lower the risk
- The risk of developing cancer may increase if a person with celiac disease has remained undiagnosed for a long period of time