Primary tumours of the small intestine - abstract

ABSTRACT

A review of 62 cases of primary small intestinal tumours seen at the University hospital of the West Indies during the 14-year period 1971 - 1985, showed that adenocarcinoma was the commonest tumour (27 percent), followed by smooth muscle tumours (23 percent), and carcinoids (11 percent). There were 32 malingant and 30 benign tumours. The majority of patients had chronic non-specific symptoms with intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, weight loss and an abdominal mass being common presentations. In the majority of patients, the diagnosis was not made pre-operatively. Increase awareness of the diagnosis in symptomatic patients will result in improved management and survival (AU)