M Naef1, M Bühlmann, H U Baer. 1. Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, Switzerland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tumors of the small bowel are rare, accounting for about 3-6% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult and an ongoing challenge. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 54 patients with tumors of the small intestine over a period of 10 years to elucidate important factors for diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. RESULTS: 42 patients had malignant (36 primary, 6 secondary) and 12 had benign tumors. Histologically, adenocarcinoma (33%), leiomyosarcoma (17%) and carcinoid (17%) were the most frequent malignancies found. All 12 benign lesions were either leiomyomas or adenomas. Initial symptoms were nonspecific: abdominal pain in 67% and 50%, anemia in 38% and 58% and weight loss in 38% and 42% in patients with malignant and benign tumors, respectively. Upper gastrointestinal series, endoscopy, computed tomography scan and selective angiography were the most useful diagnostic tools. Resectability rate for malignant tumors was 98%; curative resection was achieved in 51%. Survival for malignant tumors has been poor: median postoperative survival was 26.9 months, the 1- and 5-year survival rates were 42.9% and 20.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results document the need for an aggressive diagnostic work-up in these rare tumors with non-specific symptoms, as early diagnosis and radical operative therapy are important prognostic factors.
BACKGROUND:Tumors of the small bowel are rare, accounting for about 3-6% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult and an ongoing challenge. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 54 patients with tumors of the small intestine over a period of 10 years to elucidate important factors for diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. RESULTS: 42 patients had malignant (36 primary, 6 secondary) and 12 had benign tumors. Histologically, adenocarcinoma (33%), leiomyosarcoma (17%) and carcinoid (17%) were the most frequent malignancies found. All 12 benign lesions were either leiomyomas or adenomas. Initial symptoms were nonspecific: abdominal pain in 67% and 50%, anemia in 38% and 58% and weight loss in 38% and 42% in patients with malignant and benign tumors, respectively. Upper gastrointestinal series, endoscopy, computed tomography scan and selective angiography were the most useful diagnostic tools. Resectability rate for malignant tumors was 98%; curative resection was achieved in 51%. Survival for malignant tumors has been poor: median postoperative survival was 26.9 months, the 1- and 5-year survival rates were 42.9% and 20.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results document the need for an aggressive diagnostic work-up in these rare tumors with non-specific symptoms, as early diagnosis and radical operative therapy are important prognostic factors.
Authors: Chang Hyun Kim; Bong Hyeon Kye; Jae Im Lee; Soo Hong Kim; Hyung Jin Kim; Won Kyung Kang; Seong Taek Oh Journal: J Korean Soc Coloproctol Date: 2010-10-31