Small intestinal adenocarcinoma complicating regional enteritis.

Three new cases of small intestinal adenocarcinoma complicating Crohn's disease are reported. Seventy-five other cases have been reported to date. Analysis of these cases in comparison with de novo adenocarcinoma of the small bowel shows that they: (1) occur at a younger age; (2) occur in distal small bowel; (3) show a male predilection; and (4) have a worse prognosis. The increasing number of these cases suggests that small intestinal regional enteritis predisposes to adenocarcinoma. Improved prognosis can only be achieved with earlier diagnosis.