1982 Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 431-439
Nine cases of benign gastric submucosal tumor (BGST) obtained a pathological diagnosis by electrocoagulation biopsy were analysed in terms of tumor mass development and mucosal change over the tumor during the follow-up period. These tumors consisted of 3 leiomyomas, 2 leiomyoblastomas, 3 lipomas and an aberrant pancreas. An annual increasing rate of tumor volume were 0/yr in lipoma, 0.17-0.44/yr in leiomyoma, and 0.73, 0.6/yr in two cases of leiomyoblastoma. There was no obvious enlargement observed of the tumor mass in aberrant pancreas. Estimated doubling time was from 3yr. lmon to 5yr. 10mon in leiomyomas, and 1yr. 6mon and 2yr. 3mon respectively in two leiomyoblastomas. Three of the nine cases showed ulcer formation over the tumor during the follow-up period. These ulcerations tended to heal very quickly within a month or two. We would like to propose a periodic examination program using x-ray or endoscopy at least once in every other year in case of a small asymptomatic benign submucosal tumor of the stomach. Leiomyoblastoma or aberrant pancreas with ulcer formation regardless of its size should be treated surgically once a pathological diagnosis has been reached.
