Endoscopic features of primary small bowel lymphoma: a proposed endoscopic classification.

Primary small bowel lymphoma is relatively common in Middle Eastern countries. Of 29 such cases, proximal small bowel endoscopy was positive in 26 (89.6%) and, on the basis of endoscopy alone, the diagnosis of lymphoma was confidently made in 24 patients (82.7%). The endoscopic biopsy was diagnostic in 19 of the 26 patients with visible mucosal abnormalities (73%). Four types of lesions have been seen on the basis of which an endoscopic classification is being proposed. This classification may be of therapeutic and prognostic value.