Primary tumors of the small intestine

Seventy-two malignant and 19 benign tumors were seen at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Illinois, from 1950 to 1976. Of these, 44 malignant and 14 benign tumors were seen in the clinical setting--the remainder were found at autopsy. Carcinoid tumors were the most common malignant tumors, followed by adenocarcinoma, lymphoma and leiomyosarcoma. Patients with malignant tumors usually presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. The most common clinical signs were anemia, abdominal tenderness and abdominal distention. The most useful diagnostic tests were upper GI series and plain x-ray of the abdomen. Twenty-one (50%) five year survivals and 14 (33%) ten year survivals were obtained with small bowel malignancies. The majority of the five and ten year survivals were patients who had carcinoid tumors and lymphoma. Various theories on the causation of small bowel malignancies are discussed.