[Primary tumors of the mesentery and greater omentum]

Diseases of mesentery and greater omentum are commonly the result of lymph node metastases from an abdominal carcinoma, or lymph node involvement as part of a general lymphatic malignancy. Primary tumours are rare. Cysts occur predominantly in children. In addition, one may find mesenchymal benign or malignant tumours, which produce clinical symptoms at a later age. Plain abdominal films, barium meals and angiograms fail to show evidence of a space-occupying lesion, or produce only indirect signs. Only ultrasound or CT can demonstrate these tumours directly.