Symptoms can be chronic and or intermittent and include abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss and bleeding. The larger the tumor, the more likely the patient will experience symptoms of bowel obstruction. Tumors can also become ulcerated and bleed. Hamartomas Lymphangiomas Leiomyoma Leiomyomas are tumors of one of the muscle layers of the bowel wall. They can be very difficult to diagnose, especially when they occur in the small intestine.
Endoscopic ultrasound is a useful way to determine the site of the tumor within the bowel wall.
Some leiomyomas do have malignant potential. Biopsy sampling and surgical resection are usually advised. Adenomas Adenomas are benign tumors that do have malignant potential. They cause symptoms due to blockage. When they arise in the region of the papilla or the area of the duodenum where the bile duct and pancreas drain they can cause jaundice.