Malignant lymphoma of the intestine : a report of three cases

Abstract

Tumours arising in the small intestine are uncommon; those of them originating in the lymphoid tissues are said to be even less frequent than adennocarcinomas. Three cases hereby are reported, outlining the respective diagnosis and treatment. All the three cases were diagnosed histologically as Lymphosarcoma. It is interesting to note that in published series, Lymphosarcomas and Reticulum Cell Sarcomas have been about equally represented, and together accounted for the vast majority of cases. Various gross features have been reported, the commonest being polypoid, annular, ulcerative and aneurismal. An important feature of these tumours is that they have little connective tissue stroma. This, together with infiltration of the muscle coat, is said to account for the aneurismal varieties of the growth. Age incidence studies show that most cases occur in the age group 45 to 60 years, but no age group is exempt. As for signs and symptoms, it is true to say that no definite syndrome is produced by this disease. In general, it may be said that cases have presented either as surgical emergencies or insidiously. There is general consensus regarding the value of post-operative radiotherapy in unresectable growths, and in those with regional lymph node metastasis. What is uncertain is the value of radiotherapy where no evidence of lymph node spread is present.