New bioptic method for submucosal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract

Biopsy for the submucosal tumor has not been established and it is extremely rare that tumor tissues are obtained by usual biopsy forceps except in cases showing ulceration. Moreover, tumor tissues from the ulcerated site often showed degeneration or necrosis, and are difficult for pathohistological diagnosis. In addition, the biopsies are often associated with bleeding. We have developed a new biopsy method. Briefly, a small amount of pure ethanol is injected topically into the surface of submucosal tumor to produce a small ulcer for biopsy, and several days later a biopsy specimen is obtained from the exposed tumor at the ulcer bottom. We performed this method for 12 lesions in 12 cases. In 64 of 100 bioptic specimens, tumor tissue was obtained and in all cases pathohistological diagnosis could be established. We believe this method will be important to determine the indication of endoscopic treatment or surgical operation, and for follow up observation.