Search

Background. Myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor is a benign, unusual tumor and very difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may vary; and some patients may be asymptomatic. The most common location is in the lungs. Gastric myofibroblastic inflammatory tumors are exceptional in children. Case report. An eight year-old boy presented with an epigastric tumor, measuring 4 x 4 cm by examination and anemia. Based on radiographic studies, ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen, a tentative diagnose of lymphoma was made. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed but the material obtained was inadequate for a histopathologic diagnosis. A laparotomy was performed. An epigastric, white and infiltrating tumor was found, which measure was bigger than the one found at examination, 8 x 10 cm. An incisional biopsy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor. An upper digestive tract endoscopy was done, which showed gastric mucosa invasion by the tumor. A second laparotomy was done an a total resection of the tumor was obtained by means of a partial gastrectomy (30% of the stomach). Seven years later the patient is asymptomatic and the abdominal ultrasound is normal. Conclusions. Having in mind this type of tumor may avoid unnecessary radical surgical procedures as well as the needless chemo and/or radiotherapy. In most patients, conservative surgery is an adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]