MESENTERIC TUMORS - REVIEW OF A SERIES OF 102 CASES

One hundred and two mesenteric tumours or masses are reported, and the ir histologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects are described : 28 cys tic tumours, 38 mesenchymatous and 3 neurogenic tumours, 27 miscellane ous tumours, including 17 lymphomas, 2 hematomas and lymphoid or infla mmatory masses. Seventy-four patients presented with an abdominal mass , 41 with pain and 28 with acute abdominal syndrome, including 16 with intestinal obstruction. Ultrasonography and computerised tomography w ere performed in 31 patients, RMI in 8 patients: these investigations are useful in establishing the diagnosis but surgical exploration and biopsies remain necessary for the pathology. One hundred and one patie nts required operation: 45 biopsies with 5 by-passes, and 56 resection s, 32 localized tumour resections and 24 extended to the small bowel. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have little or no effect.