Primary tumours of the small intestine in Jamaica

A review of 60 patients with primary small bowel tumours seen at the University Hospital, Jamaica, during the 15 year period 1971-1985, revealed that adenocarcinoma was the commonest tumour (27%), followed by smooth muscle tumour (23%), and carcinoids (11%). There were 32 malignant and 28 benign tumours. The mean age at presentation was 56 years, with a range of 4 to 85 years. The most common clinical presentation was intestinal obstruction, followed by pain, weight loss, abdominal mass and intussusception. In the majority of patients the diagnosis was not made preoperatively, and 80% with adenocarcinoma had lymph node metastases. Increased awareness of the diagnosis in symptomatic patients may result in improved survival.