Primary tumors of the small intestine in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A review of 60 patients with primary small bowel tumors seen at the University Hospital, Jamaica, during the 15 year period 1971-1985, revealed that adenocarcinoma was the commonest tumour (27 percent), followed by smooth muscle tumour (23 percent), and carcinoids (11 percent). There were 32 malignant and 28 benign tumours. The mean age at presentation was 56 years, with a range of 4 to 85 years. The most common clinical presentation was intestinal obstruction, followed by pain, weight loss, abdominal mass and intussusception. In the majority of patients the diagnosis was not made preoperatively, and 80 percent with adenocarcinoma had lymph node metastases. Increased awareness of the diagnosis in symptomatic patients may result in improved survival. (AU)