Benign gastric tumours - Gastrointestinal oncology

Benign gastric tumours

Definition

Benign tumours and polyps of the stomach. These can be divided into epithelial and mesenchymal derived tumours:

Epithelial derived, polypoid structures:

·        Hyperplastic polyps are common overgrowths of gastric mucosa often resulting from the healing of an ulcer.

·        Adenomatous polyps are rare benign tumours of the surface epithelium which may be single or multiple. They have a significant risk of malignant change most likely in large polyps.

·        Hamartomas are seen in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome.

Mesenchymal derived benign tumours:

·        Leiomyomas appear as mucosal or intramural nodules.

Clinical features

Most benign tumours are asymptomatic and found on endoscopy or barium meal. Rarely bleeding or obstruction with vomiting may occur.

Management

All suspicious polyps require examination by endoscopic excision biopsy, multiple polyps may require gastric resection. Leiomyomas are treated by surgical excision.