benign

Last reviewed 01/2018

Every type of cell type within the wall of the small intestine has the potential for neoplasia. The commonest are:

  • adenoma, especially in the duodenum:
    • tubular: low premalignant potential
    • villous: strong potential for malignancy
    • Brunner's gland adenoma: no potential for malignancy
  • lipoma
  • angioma
  • leiomyoma
  • fibromyoma

They are seldom discovered during the patient's lifetime because they are generally asymptomatic. When symptomatic, problems include ulceration and haemorrhage. Treatment is by local resection.