Distal duodenal carcinoma and intussusception.

Adenocarcinoma of the duodenum is an uncommon malignancy that usually presents itself with either obstructive symptoms or jaundice, depending on its location. The diagnosis should be suspected in any patient with a high small bowel obstruction, weight loss, or chronic abdominal pain. Endoscopy and barium contrast x-ray films are the preferred initial studies; enteroclysis may provide additional information. Surgical resection offers the only hope for long-term survival, which should approach 50% with resectable tumors.