Pathologic Features of Smooth-Muscle Tumors

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Abstract
SMOOTH-MUSCLE tumors of the intestinal tract are uncommon, but not rare. Experience indicates that the incidence is approximately 1 in 10,000 surgical specimens. TheFascicle on Tumors of the Intestines, edited by Wood,1indicates the relative incidence by site of these neoplasms in two previously recorded series (Table). The extensive monograph by Skandalakis et al2reviews a much larger number of cases, and shows a similar incidence of these tumors; there is a slight but insignificant predominance in men. The major age group involved is between 40 and 60 years; however, they have occurred in newborns and octagenarians.3 The most common symptoms and signs produced by these tumors are melena, frequently recurrent abdominal pain, and the presence of an abdominal mass. It is of interest that several patients with smooth-muscle tumors of the small intestines have had previous explorations for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, with empiric gastric resections

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