Lymphoma of the small intestine.

In a group of 179 patients with small bowel tumours presenting over a 10 year period, lymphomas (20%) were the second most common group. The tumour was usually a white mass and was usually resectable. Eighty-one per cent of patients had regional invasion or metastasis at the time of surgery. Treatment was by surgery and radiotherapy for regional disease. If patients survived 2 years they were usually cured. The overall survival rate was 57%. Fresh tissue for expert histology is essential. Histological review by an experienced panel revealed many tumours previously classified as undifferentiated and several anaplastic carcinomata to be lymphoma. It has been recommended that the criteria for intestinal lymphoma be revised.