Benign Stomach Tumors - Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Tumors of the stomach are known as gastric tumors; they can be benign or malignant (gastric cancer). These tumors develop from the cells that line the stomach's gastric mucosa. However, for various reasons, most gastric tumors are cancerous and are not detected until a later stage. Unfortunately, the early anatomical changes in the stomach lining that lead to cancer are rarely visible. The stomach lining comprises a simple columnar epithelium that folds into gastric glands. There are mainly four types of cells in these glands: goblet cells, parietal cells, chief cells, and enteroendocrine cells. Mutations in these cell types can initiate an uncontrolled cell proliferation process, eventually leading to tumor formation. Signs, symptoms, and treatment options may differ depending on the origin of the tumor in the stomach.

Benign stomach tumors are uncommon, accounting for only five to ten percent of all stomach tumors and 10 to 20 percent of all duodenal tumors. Although most of these are benign lesions, some can develop into cancer. As a result, early detection, appropriate treatment, and long-term follow-up are critical. The prevalence of these lesions has increased in recent years, owing to clinicians' increased suspicion and the availability and widespread use of diagnostic tools such as gastrointestinal endoscopy.

What Are Benign Stomach Tumors?

A benign or non-cancerous stomach tumor is a growth that does not spread to other body parts. Non-cancerous tumors are typically not fatal. They are usually removed surgically and do not reappear (recur).

What Causes Stomach Tumors?

The precise underlying cause of stomach tumors is unknown. The cause of tumors is a complex question, and researchers believe that multiple factors contribute to the development of gastric tumors. Genetic, environmental, infectious, and immunologic factors are examples of such factors. Gastric polyps can form due to an inherited condition or in inflamed or damaged stomach areas. Fundic gland polyps can also develop in people who take medications that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach (such as proton-pump inhibitors). Because non-cancerous stomach tumors are so uncommon, risk factors are unknown. Some risk factors that may cause gastric tumors include;

• Smoking.

• Helicobacter pylori infection.

• A diet that is deficient in fruits and vegetables.

• High salt and nitrate intake.

• Polyps.

• Genetic alterations.

• Previous radiation.

• Pernicious anemia.

Tumorous growths have the potential to form in all layers of the stomach wall. The lesions in 40 percent of patients with benign gastric tumors are mucosal tumors, while the remaining 60 percent are not. Gastric polyps are luminal lesions that project above the plane of the mucosal surface and are relatively common in routine pathology practice.

What Are the Different Types of Benign Stomach Tumors?

There are numerous types of benign stomach tumors, but most are uncommon.

1. Gastric Polyps

The most common benign stomach tumors are gastric polyps. A gastric polyp is a growth that forms in the stomach lining. Polyps resemble mushrooms with a head and a stalk (called pedunculated polyps). They can also be flat and grow along the inner surface of the stomach wall (called sessile polyps). Gastric epithelial dysplasia may develop in some gastric polyps (a precancerous condition). This makes them more susceptible to developing cancer, but the risk of them developing cancer remains low.

Gastric polyps are classified into several types:

• Fundic Gland Polyps: They are usually less than one cm (centimeter) in size and can occur by chance or in people with polyposis syndromes.

• Hyperplastic Polyps: They are typically smaller than two cm in size and are frequently found in people who have an inflamed stomach (gastritis).

• Inflammatory Fibroid Polyps: They are hard, red, and swollen (inflamed) polyps that can grow to the size of a blockage.

• Xanthoma: It is a fatty, yellowish growth usually less than three mm (millimeter) in diameter.

• Hamartomatous Polyps: They occur by chance or in people with polyposis syndromes and are surrounded by the normal stomach lining.

Polyposis syndromes are inherited (genetic) conditions in which numerous polyps form in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), most commonly the colon or small intestine. In addition, benign gastric polyps can occur in the polyposis syndromes listed below:

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

• Juvenile polyposis.

• Cowden syndrome.

• Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.

• Gardner syndrome.

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

2. Other Benign Gastric Tumors

Other non-cancerous stomach tumors are uncommon. These are some examples:

• A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) - Small GISTs may be benign, but larger ones are frequently malignant.

• Lipoma - A tumor composed of fat cells.

• Leiomyoma - A tumor of the peripheral nerves composed of smooth muscle cells, such as schwannoma and neurofibroma.

• Pancreatic Heterotopia - A pancreas made up of pancreatic tissue cells.

• Hemangioma - A collection of abnormal blood vessels.

• Lymphangioma - A tumor that develops in lymph vessels.

• Glomus Tumor (Perivascular Tumor) - It is formed by cells surrounding blood vessels.

• Fibroma - It is formed by fibrous tissue.

• Mucocele - It is formed when a mucus-releasing gland becomes blocked.

What Are the Symptoms of Benign Stomach Tumors?

Most benign gastric tumors are asymptomatic but can cause epigastric pain, gastric outlet obstruction, and bleeding in rare cases. Adenomatous polyps exhibit truly neoplastic behavior with the potential for malignancy. Furthermore, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) exhibit a range of behavior, from benign to malignant.

Many benign gastric tumors are discovered by chance during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed for another reason. Small tumors are typically asymptomatic, but larger ones can ulcerate, resulting in bleeding and anemia. Except for certain underlying conditions, physical findings are not specific.

How Are Benign Stomach Tumors Diagnosed?

Benign stomach tumors are typically discovered when a person undergoes tests for another reason. The following tests are used to diagnose or rule out benign stomach tumors:

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

• Endoscopic ultrasound.

• Endoscopic biopsy.

How Are Benign Stomach Tumors Treated?

Surgery is the standard treatment for benign stomach tumors. The type of surgery is determined primarily by the size of the tumor and may include the following:

• Endoscopic Biopsy - To extract polyps that are smaller than two centimeters in size.

• Gastrostomy - A cut (incision) in the stomach wall to remove polyps larger than five cm or many flat polyps.

• Stomach Resection - To remove a small tumor along with a healthy tissue margin.

• Gastrectomy - It is the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach (for many polyps).

Polyp removal may require multiple treatments for some people with polyposis syndromes. If the tumor is less than one cm in size and does not cause signs or symptoms, one may be denied treatment. However, they may need regular endoscopy checkups to see if it grows or changes appearance.

Conclusion

A benign or non-cancerous stomach tumor is a growth that does not spread to other body parts. Signs and symptoms of benign stomach tumors are uncommon. Most tumors are discovered by chance during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed for another reason. Benign stomach tumors are typically not fatal. They are usually removed surgically and do not reappear (recur).