[Primary malignant tumors of the small intestine. A clinical report]

The clinical records and pathologic patterns of all the cases of primary small bowel malignancies, treated in the last 15 years, were reviewed. There were 12 patients: 8 men and 4 women ranged from 41 to 86 years old. Carcinoma was the most common (82%) followed by carcinoid and lymphoma (9%). The distribution of the malignancies showed preponderance in the proximal jejunum and duodenum. Multiple primary malignancies were found in 17% of enteric cancers. The most common presentation was pain (75%) followed by weight loss (58%), palpable mass, anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding (25%), obstruction (17%). Barium studies of the duodenum and of the small bowel, duodenal endoscopy were the most useful diagnostic tools but a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only 42% of the patients. Curative resection was attempted in 67% of the cases. The prognosis is poor.