Symptomatic lipomas of the gastrointestinal tract

Eleven patients with symptomatic lipomas of the gastrointestinal tract have been observed. The lipomas generally are relatively large, and the signs and symptoms consist mainly of abdominal pain and chronic blood loss. These lesions most commonly are seen in the colon and in the region of the ileocecal valve and less commonly in the small intestine, stomach and esophagus. Distinguishing thest tumors from carcinomas or sarcomas may be difficult, and patients are generally in the same age range as those with cancer. Roentgenologic contrast studies are helphful in localizing the tumors, but accurate tissue diagnosis usually is not made until the lesions are excised. Operative management by either local excision or segmental resection is required, and the prognosis is excellent.