Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
Systematic Endoscopic Approach for Diagnosing Gastric Subepithelial Tumors
1Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
Diagnosing subepithelial tumors (SETs) during endoscopy is challenging. This review introduces a systematic approach to improve the diagnosis of gastric SETs, aiding in distinguishing benign from malignant cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Oncology
Background:
- Subepithelial tumors (SETs) are frequently found during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly in gastric cancer screening programs.
- Distinguishing between benign and malignant SETs is difficult due to limitations of routine endoscopic biopsy.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a systematic diagnostic approach for gastric subepithelial tumors encountered during conventional endoscopy.
- To enhance the diagnostic yield of endoscopic biopsies for SETs.
Main Methods:
- Detailed endoscopic examination including tumor location, shape, color, surface, mobility, consistency, and size.
- Application of specific biopsy techniques, such as the bite-on-bite method, for SETs exhibiting certain characteristics (e.g., erosion, ulceration).
Main Results:
- A structured evaluation of endoscopic findings can improve SET diagnosis.
- Optimized biopsy techniques increase the likelihood of obtaining diagnostic tissue samples.
Conclusions:
- A systematic endoscopic approach is valuable for diagnosing gastric SETs.
- Improved diagnostic strategies can help differentiate benign from malignant SETs, guiding clinical decisions.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...

