Can Gastric Leiomyoma Be Cured?

Gastric leiomyoma is a benign tumor with a low risk of malignancy. It can be effectively treated, and in most cases, patients have a good prognosis after proper medical intervention. The primary treatment for gastric leiomyoma is surgical removal, which has a high success rate when managed appropriately.

The choice of surgical procedure depends on several factors including the size, number, and location of the tumor. In some cases, it can be difficult to distinguish gastric leiomyoma from malignant tumors such as gastric leiomyosarcoma. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is crucial before deciding on the treatment plan.

For benign gastric leiomyomas, a local wide excision is usually recommended. Surgeons typically remove about 2–3 cm of normal gastric tissue around the tumor to ensure complete excision. A rapid intraoperative pathological examination is often performed to confirm the nature of the tumor during surgery.

If there is suspicion of malignancy, more extensive procedures such as partial or total gastrectomy may be necessary. Tumors larger than 5 cm carry a higher risk of being leiomyosarcomas, and therefore should be treated as potential malignancies.

For smaller tumors located under the gastric mucosa—especially those less than 2 cm in diameter and pedunculated—endoscopic electroresection may be a viable and minimally invasive option.

Recurrence after surgery is rare, but if it occurs, reoperation is generally recommended. With timely and appropriate treatment, most patients with gastric leiomyoma can achieve a full recovery and maintain a good quality of life.