Benign gastric tumors are rare (5-10%). Such tumors have a benign biological behavior and do not infiltrate adjacent tissues and organs nor metastasize to remote sites.
Benign gastric tumors are polyps, leiomyomas, fibromas, lipomas, neurogenic tumors, etc.
Conversely, malignant tumors can spread locally, infiltrate adjacent organs and metastasize in regional lymph nodes or remote organs through blood circulation.
They include gastric cancer (adenocarcinoma), leiomyosarcoma, stromal tumors, etc.
Gastric cancer is frequent at ages between 60-70 years but may occur at younger ages. It occurs more frequently in males (2:1) and is the second more frequent cancer after colon cancer. Its prognosis is usually poor whilst its complete excision is required within healthy margins. Laparoscopic surgery is successfully performed on gastric tumors with equally good oncologic results versus traditional open surgery performed by experienced surgeons. It is associated to less postoperative pain and faster recovery, as well as to shorter stays in hospital.