Can Stomach Lipomas Turn Cancerous?

Stomach lipomas are benign growths and the chance of them turning cancerous is extremely low. However, it's crucial to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that the tumor is indeed a lipoma. These growths develop beneath the mucosa and can sometimes be mistaken for neuroendocrine tumors. In such cases, an endoscopic ultrasound is highly recommended to determine the exact layer and size of the tumor.

In some situations, a complete removal of the tumor may be advised to accurately identify the cell type and confirm whether it is a lipoma or another type of lesion. This helps avoid misdiagnosis with other types of tumors and ensures appropriate treatment planning.

When a stomach lipoma is definitively diagnosed, the prognosis is excellent, with practically no risk of malignancy. If a gastric lesion is detected that does not originate from the mucosa, an endoscopic ultrasound can help determine its depth and characteristics.

Once confirmed as a lipoma, the tumor can either be removed directly or monitored over time to assess any changes in size or structure. Depending on the growth pattern, medical intervention via endoscopy or surgery may be considered. In cases where the lipoma is large and poses a risk of complications such as gastric perforation—which can be difficult to repair—laparoscopic removal might be the best course of action.