Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine

Sixty-five patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine were encountered over a 31 year period. The duodenum was the most common location, with a decreasing frequency distally. Associated malignancies were present in a fourth of the patients. Presenting signs and symptoms were vague and related to either obstruction or bleeding. Barium contrast examination and endoscopy for duodenal tumors were the primary diagnostic modalities. Curative treatment was wide resection of bowel and mesentery for jejunal and ileal tumors and pancreaticoduodenectomy for duodenal tumors. Favorable prognosticators included jejunal location, absence of nodal metastases, and a well-differentiated grade. Stage for stage, the prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine parallels that of patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon. With greater awareness of this tumor, it is possible that earlier detection will lead to improved overall survival.