SIX CASES OF LEIOMYOMA OR LEIOMUOSARCOMA OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Among various tumors of the small intestine which lack in specific clinical manifestations, leiomyomas or leiomyosarcomas often present as melena and anemia as the chief complaints. Six cases of leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma of the small intestine, including 2 of leiomyosarcoma and 4 of leiomyoma, experienced at our department in a past 6-year period were clinically studied. A close examination of the small intestine is needed for a patient complaining of melena and anemia but revealing no lesion on the upper digestive tract or colon. Angiography can offer valuable informations of the size or site of a tumor; whether it is multiple; invasion into the surrounding tissues; and existence of liver metastasis. Moreover, it will enable to detect such tumors in early stages. When we must determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant, careful attention should be paid not only for a pattern of karyomitosis but also for other factors such as diameter of the tumor. A case having some factors indicating poor prognosis needs a careful follow-up, as well as aggressive treatments, especially for liver metastasis.