Subepithelial mass lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
The finding of a mass lesion in the upper gastrointestinal tract at endoscopy with apparent normal overlying mucosa is common. The differential diagnosis of such lesions is broad and includes those of intramural or extramural origin. Endoscopic ultrasound provides accurate imaging of subepithelial mass lesions and characterizes them according to size, echogenicity, and origin including the histologic layer if the lesion is intramural which narrows the differential diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound allows a guided tissue sample to be obtained for histologic confirmation which is especially important for hypoechoic lesions arising from the 3rd or 4th echogenic layers. The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis of the more common subepithelial mass lesions with an emphasis on endoscopic ultrasound and the subsequent management or monitoring.
Humphris
Jeremy L
JL
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Jones
D Brian
DB
D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D014463:Ultrasonography