Use of strip biopsy in a case of early duodenal cancer.

In a 67-year-old man referred for investigation of an abdominal mass, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy incidentally revealed a polypoid lesion with a central depression in the duodenum. The abdominal mass causing gastric compression was shown by ultrasonography and CT scan to be cyst anterior to the pancreas. Biopsy of the duodenal lesion, however, was suggestive of carcinoma. Strip biopsy was therefore performed. Histological examination showed a tubular adenocarcinoma with invasion limited to the mucosa, and indicated that complete endoscopic resection had been achieved. Follow-up over ten months did not reveal recurrence of the tumor. Strip biopsy would appear to be a safe and efficient method for management of early gastrointestinal tract cancer also in the duodenum.