GIANT GASTRIC LIPOMA: EXPERIENCE WITH A RARE BENIGN TUMOR AT HOSPITAL BENEFICENTE UNIMAR

Resumo

Introduction: Gastrointestinal lipomas are rare lesions, accounting for only 2-3% of benign tumors of the digestive tract. Larger lipomas, particularly those measuring more than 5 -7 cm or those associated with complications such as bleeding, obstruction, or intussusception, may require surgical management. Published data mainly consist of isolated reports, especially regarding giant lesions larger than 5 cm, which are observed in approximat ely 4% of cases. Therefore, important gaps remain in the literature. Objectives: To present the clinical experience in the management of this rare benign gastric tumor and to describe the multimodal findings, including endoscopic evaluation, surgical resection, histopathological confirmation, and relevant aspects of the current literature. Methods: This is an experience report based on the analysis of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, surgical management, postoperative evolution, and histopatholog ical evaluation of a patient with a gastric submucosal tumor treated at Hospital Beneficente Unimar. Results: The patient presented with postprandial gastric fullness and recurrent epigastric pain. Abdominal ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a large submucosal mass measuring more than 6 cm within the stomach. Considering the lesion size and clinical presentation, a multidisciplinary team recommended surgical treatment. A wedge resection of the stomach was performed without intraoperat ive complications, and postoperative recovery was favorable. Histopathological analysis confirmed a submucosal lipoma. Macroscopic examination described a nodular segment of brownish - yellow tissue, partially covered by brownish and granular mucosa. Conclu sion: This experience report highlights the relevance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the investigation and the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract pathologies. It also reinforces the importance of reviewing and updating the literature regardi ng the diagnosis and management of giant gastric lipomas. Histopathological analysis remains essential for diagnostic confirmation.