Sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract: a review of 40 cases

In a ten-year update of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center experience, cases of malignant lymphomas (20) and soft tissue sarcomas (20) of the gastrointestinal tract were reviewed. The stomach was the most common site (63%). The three most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, weight loss, and hemorrhage. The average duration of symptoms prior to seeking medical consultation was 14 months. The five-year survival was 50% for soft tissue sarcomas and 60% for malignant lymphomas. It is suggested that delay is establishing a diagnosis be a consideration in recommending adjuvant therapy.