A Clinical Analysis of Primary Small Bowel Cancer

Kil, Ki Sun; Bae, Jin Sun

Abstract

PURPOSE: Primary small bowel cancer is rare. In many cases, the diagnosis is difficult especially in jejunum and ileum, confirmed in advanced state with poor prognosis. This study was intended to clarify the characteristics of primary small bowel cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have reviewed 24 patients with primary small bowel cancer that have been operated at the Department of Surgery, hospital from Jan. 1990 until Dec. 1996. The clinical feature, diagnostic method, location and histologic finding of tumor, prognosis were analyzed.
RESULTS
1. The ratio of male to female was 1:1.18. The mean age was 53 years and the most prevalent age group was 6th decade (13 cases, 54.1%). 2. The most common primary site was jejunum (9 cases), followed by duodenum (8 cases) and ileum (7 cases). Leiomyosarcoma occurred most frequently in jejunum, adenocarcinoma in duodenum, and lymphoma in ileum. 3. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (66.7%), followed by anemia (54.2%), palpable mass (50%). 4. The accuracy rate of preoperative diagnosis or suspicion was 45.8%, and diagnostic measures were endoscopy in duodenum, small bowel series and/or abdominal CT. in jejunum and ileum. 5. Curative resection was performed in 14 cases (58.3%), and the cancer in which palliative resection was undertaken most frequently was leiomyosarcoma. 6. The mean follow-up period of 23 cases except 1 was 33 months, during this time 9 cases were dead, of whom 5 cases had leiomyosarcoma.
CONCLUSION
Frequently, small bowel cancer is difficult in diagnosis, confirmed in late stage. High degree of suspicion and more endeavor to discover it is important and needed to bring a better result.