Malignant neoplasms of the duodenum.

The records of 17 patients with primary malignant neoplasms of the duodenum were reviewed. Fiberoptic endoscopy is a valuable method for preoperative diagnosis. The results are consistent with previous reports, in that surgical resection is the only satisfactory treatment for most malignant tumors of the duodenum. Segmental resection may be the preferred procedure for localized tumors as it is associated with a much lower operative mortality than is pancreaticoduodenectomy. Radiation therapy, however, is often effective in patients with lymphomas of the duodenum.