What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gastric Glomangioma
• Gastric Glomus Tumor
• Glomangiomyoma of Stomach

What is Glomus Tumor of Stomach? (Definition/Background Information)

• Glomus Tumor of Stomach is a very rare tumor that is mostly benign. A glomus tumor is seen among a wide age range of adults and can occur at various locations (such as arms and legs) in the body. But, the stomach is an uncommon location for the tumor
• Many Glomus Tumors of Stomach are found incidentally while examining the individual for other medical conditions. The signs and symptoms depend upon the size of the tumors and it may include abdominal pain and discomfort
• Typically, a surgical excision of Glomus Tumor of Stomach with its entire removal is the treatment of choice. The prognosis is excellent with its complete removal, since it is usually a benign tumor
• Rarely, malignant transformation has been reported resulting in a malignant Glomus Tumor of Stomach. In such cases, the prognosis depends upon a set of factors that includes the stage of the cancer, severity of the signs and symptoms, age and overall health of the individual, and one’s response to treatment

Who gets Glomus Tumor of Stomach? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Glomus Tumor of Stomach is usually seen in the adult age group
• Both males and females can be affected, although most cases are noted in females (some reports inform a male predominance)
• No specific ethnic or racial preference is seen

What are the Risk Factors for Glomus Tumor of Stomach? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no definitive risk factors have been noted for Glomus Tumor of Stomach

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Glomus Tumor of Stomach? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of Glomus Tumor of Stomach formation is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Glomus Tumor of Stomach?

In general, small tumors are asymptomatic and large tumors can cause signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms of Glomus Tumor of Stomach may include the following:

• The average size of the tumor is between 2 to 5 cm. However, tumors over 5 cm have been reported
• The tumor may be present anywhere in the stomach
• It is often well-defined and demarcated
• It may be associated with abdominal pain and discomfort
• Tumors growing to larger sizes can cause compression of adjoining organs and structures
• Some tumors may involve the vascular system
• Most of the tumors are benign, while occasionally a few may be malignant

How is Glomus Tumor of Stomach Diagnosed?

In many cases, Glomus Tumor of Stomach is diagnosed incidentally during imaging studies for some other conditions. The diagnosis may involve the following tests and procedures:

• Complete physical exam with evaluation of medical history
• Ultrasound scan of the stomach/abdomen: It is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images
• Abdominal CT scan: It is a noninvasive procedure that provides more details of soft tissues, blood vessels, and internal organs
• Stool sample analysis
• Upper GI endoscopy: An endoscopic procedure is performed using an instrument called an endoscope, which consists of a thin tube and a camera. Using this technique, the radiologist can have a thorough examination of the insides of the gastrointestinal tract
• Chromoendoscopy can help detect small-sized tumors; small tumors can also be detected using narrow band imaging technique
• Endoscopic ultrasonography: During this procedure, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can be performed on the affected area. This is good technique for tumor detection including tumor invasion parameters, and whether nearby lymph nodes are affected
• Vascular angiographic studies of the tumor
• Exploratory laparoscopy (diagnostic laparoscopy) may be required, if gastrointestinal symptoms are present. In this procedure, the abdomen is examined using a minimally-invasive technique, and a tissue biopsy and tissue for culture obtained
• Whole body PET scans to determine how far the cancer has spread to other organ systems, if the tumor is malignant

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Core biopsy of the tumor
• Open biopsy of the tumor

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Glomus Tumor of Stomach?

The complications of Glomus Tumor of Stomach may include:

• Stress and anxiety due to a concern of stomach cancer
• Malignancy is sometimes reported in tumors over 5 cm in size that show high cell activity
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication
• Some cases are known to undergo malignant transformations

How is Glomus Tumor of Stomach Treated?

The treatment measures for Glomus Tumor of Stomach may include the following:

• Majority of asymptomatic tumors are not surgically removed after the tumor is diagnosed and determined to be benign on a biopsy. The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors presenting mild signs and symptoms
• Surgical intervention with complete excision (wedge resection with negative margins) can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
• In case of a malignant behavior, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be necessary to treat the tumor
• Postoperative care is important: A minimum activity level is ensured, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening may be recommended by the healthcare provider

How can Glomus Tumor of Stomach be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Glomus Tumor of Stomach
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are strongly recommended

What is the Prognosis of Glomus Tumor of Stomach? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Glomus Tumor of Stomach depends upon the severity of the signs and symptoms. It also depends upon the overall health of the individual and response to therapy.

• Typically, individuals with small-sized tumors have a better prognosis than those with larger-sized tumors
• In most cases, the prognosis of small-sized solitary tumors is excellent with surgical intervention or appropriate treatment, since these are benign
• In case of a malignancy, the prognosis depends on mitotic rate and necrosis within the tumor. High mitotic count and necrosis of tumor can result in a poorer prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information Glomus Tumor of Stomach:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumors Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/