[Primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum]

Two cases are presented of primitive adenocarcinoma of the duodenum diagnosed and treated in the General Surgery Department of General Hospital of Elche (Spain) during the 10 years of its existence. The two patients were women, one a 45-year-old who consulted for pain, epigastric discomfort and melenas, and the other a 76-year-old who consulted for paraneoplastic syndrome and a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. Radical resection was performed, with cephalic duodenopancreatectomy in the first case and atypical local resection of the first and second duodenal portions, gastric antrum and gallbladder in the second case. Six and 4 years after operation, respectively, the two patients are alive and asymptomatic. We comment the most important aspects of this rare disease in relation to the pecularities of our cases. We insist on the appropriateness of surgical resection as an effective therapeutic option.