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These are bulges that form beneath the inner layer of the stomach wall. Most are benign, but some can carry a risk. When needed they are examined with endoscopic ultrasound and treatment is planned.
What are submucosal tumours of the stomach?
Submucosal tumours of the stomach are masses that develop beneath the inner layer lining the stomach or in the deeper layers of the stomach wall. Not all of these masses are cancer. Some are entirely benign, while others can carry a risk of becoming cancerous.
What are the symptoms?
Most of the time they cause no complaints and are noticed by chance during gastroscopy. Large masses can cause abdominal pain, feeling full early, nausea, bleeding or anaemia.
Why do they happen?
The exact causes are not always known. They can develop from the muscle, nerve, fat or other tissues in the stomach wall. Lipomas, for example, are usually benign. Some tumours called GIST, on the other hand, can behave in a malignant way.
How are they diagnosed?
At gastroscopy a bulge covered with normal stomach lining can be seen inside the stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used to assess which layer of the stomach wall the mass arises from, its size and its structure. When needed, a tissue sample can be taken with special needles.
How are they treated?
Not every mass needs an operation. The treatment decision is made according to the type of the mass, its size, whether it is growing and any risky features. Some masses are followed up, while others may need to be removed by endoscopic or surgical methods.
When should you see a doctor?
If a mass or submucosal lesion in the stomach wall has been found at your gastroscopy, you are advised to see a gastroenterologist. Your doctor will decide whether further tests, follow-up or treatment are needed.
Sources
- Prof. Ali Tüzün İnce, MD — personal endoscopy archive