Leiomyomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Smooth muscle tumours [SMT] of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. Five cases of leiomyomas are presented with bleeding being the commonest presentation. Bleeding is mainly caused by ulceration or degeneration within the tumour substance and early recognition is important to prevent treatment being unnecessarily delayed. At times, it is difficult to determine microscopically whether SMT are benign or malignant and further management is discussed

Bone formation in abdominal surgical scars

Four cases of heterotopic bone formation in abdominal scars are presented and possible causative factors discussed with reference to the literature. The awareness of the condition will prevent unnecessary investigations and anxiety. Excision of the bony mass is indicated only when symptomatic, without the need for local irradiation