Upper gastrointestinal tract: villous tumors

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Villous tumors are uncommon in the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum).
• Previous literature has reported a lower malignancy rate for these tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the surgical experience with upper gastrointestinal villous tumors.
• To characterize the presentation, malignancy, and radiographic features of these rare tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of surgical cases at the Mayo Clinic.
• Analysis of 18 villous tumors in 16 patients.

Main Results:

• Nine tumors in the stomach and nine in the duodenum were identified.
• All 18 tumors were malignant, with a higher malignancy rate than previously reported.
• Unique radiographic findings in the esophagus and common bile duct were observed.

Conclusions:

• Upper gastrointestinal villous tumors are frequently malignant, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• The radiographic characteristics described are novel and aid in identifying these rare lesions.
• Villous tumors in the upper GI tract share fundamental features with those found in the colon.