Leiomyomas of the Esophagus: A Clinical Experience

The most common benign tumor of the esophagus is a leiomyoma. Our experiences with six cases during a recent ten-year period at St. Francis General Hospital are presented. A case report that includes the clinical picture, diagnostic tests, and definitive management is presented. These tumors may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Esophagogram and esophagoscopy are two essential preoperative diagnostic tests. The ideal approach and technique for excision depend upon the location and size of the tumor.     

Gastric Malignancies: A Clinicopathological Analysis

The incidence of gastric cancer continues to decline in the United States regardless of individual color, ethnic background, or socioeconomic level.^1,2 This significant medical happening has become unequivocally evident during the past 20 years and the reasons are primarily conjectural. Nutritional aspects are highly important in the diminishing prevalence of gastric cancer.³     

Primary Cancer of the Gallbladder: A Concept for Improvement

A sample of the experiences of three representative hospitals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with cancer of the gallbladder substantiates the poor prognosis of the disease. The author''s attitude, however, is optimistic. Patients and professionals are obligated to improve their approach to prophylaxis, early diagnosis, and the institution of effective and adequate surgical therapy with follow-up.     

Portal Venous Air: A Benign Occurrence

Air in the portal venous system after a colonic examination (colonoscopy or barium enema) or umbilical vein catheterization is a benign, selflimiting condition. The underlying intestinal pathology, however, is important in determining the status of the patient. Supportive treatment and antibiotic therapy is all that is needed for these patients.