Incidental Autopsy Findings Research Articles

Leiomyoma of the jejunum with hemorrhage.

Smooth-muscle tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are uncommon. They grow slowly and produce rather definite signs and symptoms and are nearly always resectable. In the absence of metastases, distinction between benign and malignant forms cannot be made grossly. Histologically the presence of two or more mitotic figures per high-power field and poor differentiation indicate malignancy. The malignant tumors usually grow slowly and metastasize late. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and affords a high percentage of cures. These tumors may be subserosal, intra-mural, or submucosal. They are rarely of the hourglass type. The submucosal lesions may ulcerate and bleed or may lead to intusussception. When occurring in the duodenum, they mimic duodenal ulcer, with pain, spasm, and bleeding. Intramural lesions are most commonly incidental autopsy findings, in the form of pea-shaped nodules in the stomach wall. Sub -serosal tumors produce symptoms only when relatively large; such symptoms are the result...