[Gastric leiomyomas]

Abstract

Leiomyomas are rare tumors found as a rule in the stomach (1-2% of all gastric tumor cases) and occasionally in the intestine. Unless they grow large or become ulcerated gastric leiomyomas run a silent course. Otherwise there is epigastric pain, hemorrhage or impaired gastric evacuation. When complicated, the disease presents diagnostic difficulties and is treated surgically. Gastrotomy with dissection of the tumor or local resection of the gastric wall proved a reliable therapeutic means. Gastric resection is indicated in ill-defined tumors or in suspected malignancy.