[Primary duodenal adenocarcinoma; apropos of a case]

Primary duodenal adenocarcinoma is an infrequent malignant tumor that usually affects persons 60 to 70 years-old. Its clinical manifestations are nonspecific. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of gastroduodenal contrast radiography and it is generally confirmed by endoscopic biopsy. It is slow to metastasize, so early diagnosis can lead to curative surgical treatment. We present a case seen late, of rapid and fatal course. Statistical data are provided and we comment on some aspects of the classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.