Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas

Nine patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma are presented. They were all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: 7 lymphocytic, one immunoblastic and one lymphoblastic. The diagnosis was made preoperatively in 5 patients, doubted in one patient and missed in 3 patients. All patients were treated surgically by resection followed by chemotherapy. Six patients received postoperative radiotherapy as well. Morbidity occurred in 2 patients and 2 patients died from recurrence 10 months and 2.5 years after surgery. The longest period of follow up is 8 years. Emphasis is laid on criteria to suspect the diagnosis and prove the primary nature of gastrointestinal lymphomas. The optimum lines of management are described