Small bowel tumors

Tumors of the small bowel, both benign and malignant, are relatively uncommon but may cause signifi cant morbidity and mortality if undetected. These tumors present a diagnostic challenge as their symptoms are often vague. Small bowel tumors have a poor prognosis because most patients present with advanced disease. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of therapy for these malignancies. New endoscopic modalities such as capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy allow full examination of the small bowel with improved diagnosis. Advanced endoscopic interventions are likely to broaden the endoscopic management of small bowel tumors.