[Benign tumors of the stomach]

The term "benign gastric tumours" comprises three distinct entities: submucosal tumours, polyps and carcinoid tumours. Submucosal tumours are rare and most often conjunctive (leiomyoma, schwannoma, lipoma, etc.), but may also be heterotopic or congenital. Because of their subepithelial location, samples taken during endoscopic examination are rarely contributory. Endoscopic ultrasonography is the examination of reference for characterisation of these tumours. Polyps of epithelial origin, are common, most often small and without degenerative potential. They can be histologically diagnosed during endoscopic ultrasonography. Carcinoid tumours, which are very rare, are discussed elsewhere in this issue.