Radiologic evaluation and staging of small intestine neoplasms

Abstract

The small intestine is an uncommon location for neoplasms in either clinical or radiological practice. Because of its anatomic location and morphology, diagnosis of the diseases that affect small intestine pose difficulties. Symptoms are nonspecific and endoscopy is commonly unsatisfactory. Since early and definite diagnosis is crucial for prompt therapy, radiological imaging plays an essential role. Enteroclysis is the primary and effective radiologic modality in the evaluation of small bowel neoplasms. On the other hand, computed tomography should be the complementary radiologic method as well as for staging. In this review, the most common neoplasms of the small intestine and their common radiologic findings have been discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.