Unusual gastric tumors: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Abstract

The overlap of radiologic findings in many gastric tumors makes differentiation difficult. However, some unusual gastric tumors have characteristic radiologic features that may suggest a specific diagnosis. At barium study, lipomas typically manifest as a smooth submucosal mass or an ulcerated lesion with a "bull's-eye" appearance that is indistinguishable from other mesenchymal tumors. At computed tomography (CT), lipomas usually manifest as well-circumscribed submucosal masses with fat attenuation. At radiology, glomus tumors appear as smooth submucosal masses with or without ulceration and may contain tiny flecks of calcification. These tumors frequently demonstrate strong enhancement on early-phase contrast material-enhanced images. At barium study, lymphangiomas may appear as smooth intramural masses that are indistinguishable from other mesenchymal tumors. At CT, they manifest as non-enhancing extramucosal masses with homogeneous low attenuation. Diffuse lesions in Brunner gland hamartoma manifest as multiple small nodules, producing a characteristic "cobblestone" appearance. Lymphomas may have typical imaging features (eg, more pronounced and homogeneous mural thickening) that can help differentiate them from adenocarcinoma. In addition, adenocarcinomas may demonstrate unusual findings such as transpyloric spread, unusually large polyps, or intratumoral calcifications. Familiarity with these radiologic features of gastric tumors can help ensure correct diagnosis and proper management.