The subepithelial lesions are bulges or masses that originate in the wall of the digestive tract and remain covered by mucosa that appears normal. They are usually detected incidentally during an endoscopy and, although they often don't produce symptoms, it is important to assess them properly because some are benign, while others may require further investigation or monitoring. Next, we will look at what they consist of and what their main characteristics are.
Neuroendocrine tumours
What does it consist of?
Los Neuroendocrine tumours I am a type of tumour that originates in Specialised cells of the digestive system capable of producing hormones. They can appear in various locations, such as the pancreas, the intestine, or the stomach.
In many cases, they grow slowly and may not show symptoms for a long time, making their detection and specialist assessment fundamental. Their behaviour is very variable, so Each case requires individualised study.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended consult when there are findings in imaging tests, persistent digestive symptoms with no clear cause or suspected hormonal alterations related to the digestive system.
Associated symptoms
- Abdominal pain. Persistent or non-specific discomfort.
- Diarrhoea or bowel changes. Changes without apparent cause.
- Unexplained weight loss. Unexplained weight loss, especially if accompanied by other digestive symptoms.
- Non-specific digestive symptoms. Discomfort such as nausea, indigestion, or general abdominal upset that is difficult to pinpoint.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. It allows direct visualisation of lesions in the upper tract mucosa and their biopsy.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows for the complete removal of deep tumours in a single piece.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It allows for minimally invasive extraction of superficial lesions.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). It allows for the study of injuries with high precision.
- TAC. It allows for the localisation of the primary tumour and the assessment of potential distant metastases.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. It allows for a detailed assessment of common liver injuries in these tumours.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always. Many have slow growth, although some can behave more aggressively, requiring specialist assessment and monitoring.
No. In many cases, they are detected incidentally.
It depends on the type and location, but in some cases, yes.
Yes, it is key to controlling its evolution.
Ectopic pancreas
What does it consist of?
The Ectopic pancreas It is a condition in which there is pancreatic tissue located outside of its usual place, with no direct connection to the main pancreas. It is usually found in the stomach, duodenum, or other areas of the digestive tract.
En la mayorÃa de los casos es un benign finding y it is detected incidentally. However, in some patients it can produce symptoms or generate diagnostic doubts, therefore requiring specialist assessment.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended Consult when a lesion has been detected during an endoscopy o Ectopic pancreas imaging, or when there are digestive symptoms with no clear cause that require investigation.
Associated symptoms
- Abdominal pain. Discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- Heavy digestion or digestive upset. A feeling of heaviness after meals or non-specific discomfort.
- Nausea. Heavy indigestion or digestive upset.
- Absence of symptoms. In many cases, it is detected incidentally.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. It allows the identification of a lesion in the digestive tract.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Key technique for characterising the lesion in depth.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
It isn't usually, although it should be assessed to confirm its nature.
No. In many cases, it only requires monitoring.
In some cases, yes, depending on its size and location.
Lipoma
What does it consist of?
The Lipoma it is a Benign tumour made up of fatty tissue that can appear in different areas of the digestive system, like the colon, stomach or small intestine.
In most cases it does not produce symptoms and is detected incidentally during an endoscopy or imaging test. However, when it reaches a certain size or location, It can cause discomfort and require specialist assessment.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended to consult when a lesion compatible with lipoma has been detected in a test or when there are digestive symptoms without a clear cause that require investigation.
Associated symptoms
- Abdominal discomfort. A feeling of discomfort or pressure, especially if the injury increases in size.
- Changes in bowel rhythm. They can appear in some cases, depending on the location of the lesion.
- Digestive bleeding. It is uncommon, but can appear in larger lesions.
- Absence of symptoms. It is uncommon, but can appear in larger lesions.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. It allows for examination of the inside of the oesophagus and stomach to detect abnormalities.
- RME. It allows incipient lesions or tumours to be removed without the need for open surgery.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. It allows for the exploration of the digestive tract and the obtaining of tissue samples (biopsies).
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. It is a benign lesion formed from fatty tissue.
Yes, especially if it increases in size or is located in areas that can make it difficult for food to pass.
Yes, though usually slowly.
Yes, that's why a proper diagnosis is important.
Fibroid
What does it consist of?
The Leiomyoma It is a benign tumour that originates in the smooth muscle of the digestive tract. It can appear in various locations, although it is more common in the oesophagus and, in most cases, It has slow growth.
It is often detected incidentally during an endoscopy or imaging test. Although it is usually benign, it is important to evaluate it correctly to differentiate it from other submucosal lesions and decide whether further follow-up or treatment is needed.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to consult when you have A submucosal lesion compatible with leiomyoma has been detected. during an endoscopy or imaging test, or when there are digestive symptoms that require more precise assessment.
Associated symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing. It can appear when the leiomyoma is located in the oesophagus.
- Chest or abdominal discomfort. A feeling of pressure or discomfort, depending on the location of the injury.
- Mass effect symptoms. In larger lesions, discomfort may arise due to compression depending on their size and location.
- Absence of symptoms. In many cases, it is detected incidentally.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. It allows the tumour to be located and its appearance under the gastric or oesophageal mucosa to be observed.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows for complete removal of the lesion from the deep layers of the wall.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. It allows for visual tracking and the dismissal of other similar pathologies.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. This is a benign tumour that usually grows slowly.
No. It depends on the size, location, symptoms, and diagnostic uncertainties.
Yes, especially if it increases in size or is in an area that makes it difficult for food to pass.
Yes. That is why an adequate study is important to characterise it well.
GIST
What does it consist of?
The GIST It is a type of tumour that originates in the wall of the digestive system, most frequently in the stomach and small intestine. Although some grow slowly and can be detected incidentally, others can behave more aggressively., so they require a specialist assessment.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for to differentiate it from other submucosal lesions and define the best approach. Depending on its size, location and characteristics, it may require monitoring, endoscopic treatment or surgery, in addition to other therapies in selected cases.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to cConsult when a submucosal lesion has been detected In an endoscopy or imaging test, when there are persistent digestive symptoms with no clear cause, or when a second opinion is needed to better assess the diagnosis and treatment.
Associated symptoms
- Abdominal pain. It can appear as a persistent, progressive, or difficult-to-locate nuisance.
- Digestive bleeding. It can manifest as blood in the stool, vomiting blood, or anaemia.
- Early satiety or digestive discomfort. Feeling full quickly or discomfort after eating.
- Absence of symptoms. In many cases, it is detected incidentally.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. Allows the location of tumours beneath the mucosa and assessment of their external appearance.
- Chromoendoscopy and magnification. It allows differentiation of the lesion from other types of epithelial growths.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows the complete removal of tumours originating from deep layers.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It allows the removal of small lesions and confirmation of their nature.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. It allows direct inspection of the tract and tissue sampling.
- TAC. It allows the exact size of the tumour to be determined and ruling out involvement of other organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. It allows a detailed assessment of the tumour's relationship with neighbouring structures.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always. Some GISTs have a low risk and slow growth, while others can have a more aggressive behaviour.Â
No. It is often detected incidentally before causing any discomfort.
Yes. That's why it's important to characterise the injury well with specific tests such as the Ecoendoscopia and, in some cases, biopsy.Â
Not always. The treatment depends on the size, location, and risk of the lesion.Â
Specialists
- Full and personalised clinical assessment. Detailed analysis of symptoms, history, and previous tests to understand your case in depth.
- Clear diagnostic guidance. Definition of the following steps, necessary tests and the most suitable approach from the outset.
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