Malignant Small Bowel Tumor - Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of malignant small bowel tumors is difficult due to the rarity of these lesions and the lack of presenting signs and symptoms. This fact may delay the treatment and therefore worsen the outcome. Material and methods: This article describes 6 cases of this rare disease, reviewing the literature on its clinic, pathological and treatment aspects. Discussion: Malignancies involving the small intestine are rare and account for less than 3% of the gastrointestinal tract cancers. When the different regions of the intestine are considered, adenocarcinomas are mostly found in the duodenum while stromal tumors are usually spread throughout the entire small bowel. Adenocarcinoma represents 33% of MSBT and is best managed with wide segmental surgical resection and primary and regional node lymphadenectomy. Sarcomas represent 17% of MSBT and are treated with en bloc segmental resection with tumor-free margins, with preservation of the tumor’s pseudocapsule. Secondary neoplastic involvement of the small intestine is more common than primary small neoplasia and its treatment is palliative. Conclusion: MSBT have a rare incidence, however attention and investigation of persistent symptoms may lead to an early diagnosis and treatment.