1997 Volume 50 Pages 260-261
The patient was a 54-year-old man who presented because of epigastric discomfort. Gastric X-ray examination and endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed a tumor of 2cm by 2cm with central depression. The patient was suspected of having a submucosal tumor. Routine biopsy yielded only normal gastric mucosal tissue so that no tumor cell was identified.
An artificial ulcer was produceds by microwave irradiation and another biopsy was taken, with no success in the identification of tumor cells. Considering the size of the lesion and the X-ray and endoscopic findings, however, a malignant tumor could not be completely ruled out. As a result of partial gastrectomy, a definitive diagnosis of heterotopic cystic malformation of the stomach was made.