[Primary malignant tumors of the small intestine--symptoms, diagnosis and therapy]

26 patients with a primary malignant tumor of the small intestine could be found in the cases in the surgical department of the Marienhospital Herne, University of Bochum, from 1978 to 1987. By the anamnesis and findings on admission various symptoms and clinical results only a few cases advising symptoms for a malignant tumor of the small intestine were found. Often the diagnosis only could be found by an emergency operation. An amelioration of the bad prognosis will be possible with shortening the long latency between the first uncharacteristic symptoms and the right diagnosis. After going through the endoscopy and radiology with strong anamnesis and findings, the explorative laparotomy must be done as an compulsory step.