[Benign tumors of the stomach]

The authors report their surgical experience of benign gastric tumors between 1947 and 1972: 19 cases (18 patients) were operated, which represent 3, 5% of the operated malignant tumors. Distribution was as follows: 6 polyps, 4 schwannomas, 4 accessory pancreases, 4 leiomyomas, 1 lipoma plus one leiomyoma of the ampula of Vater. The authors recall the symptomatology and roentgenological aspect of these tumors. They point out the growing importance of fibroscopy. They insist on the connexion between these tumors and carcinomas: this is clear for schwannomas and polyps where volume is a determining feature. Resection can be limited where there is no danger of malignant change. Though unquestionalbe, the malignancy of polyps is less than that of classical carcinomas.