Report of three gastric tumors in children

The literature concerning gastric tumors in children is mainly limited to case studies. The authors reviewed 1,403 histological reports of pediatric gastric pathology (covering 10 years) at their institution. There were three gastric tumors of benign histology and no malignant tumors. The first patient was a 9 1/2-year-old boy who presented with several months of symptomatic, pH-probe-confirmed gastroesophageal reflux. He underwent placement of a Toupet antireflux valve. During laparotomy, a submucosal mass was discovered incidentally, on the greater curvature of the stomach. The mass was excised. Pathological examination showed heterotopic pancreas. The second patient, a 15-month-old girl, presented with a short period of vomiting. Results of an upper gastrointestinal series showed gastric outlet obstruction. She underwent laparotomy and was found to have an intussusception of a gastric polyp into the proximal jejunum, and an associated malrotation. Ladd's procedure, gastroduoduodenostomy with reduction of the intussuscepted polyp, and excision of the polyp were performed. Histological examination of the tumor showed hamartoma with hyperplastic elements. The tumor was benign but was regarded as difficult to classify. The third patient, a 6-year-old boy, presented with microcytic anemia. Endoscopy showed multiple friable bleeding gastric masses. He underwent laparotomy, with partial gastrectomy and pyloroplasty. Histological examination showed the tumor to be plasma cell granuloma. The tumor recurred, and the patient required subsequent operative procedures. The authors confirm that gastric tumors in children are rare. Although the tumor histology may be benign, excision of the tumor may require major operative resection.