Korean J Med > Volume 101(3); 2026 > Article
Gastroenterology
The Korean Journal of Medicine 2026;101(3):119-126.
Published online June 1, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2026.101.3.119   
Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions
You Kyoung Lee, Seung Joo Kang
Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center, Seoul, Korea
위상피하병변의 내시경 진단 및 치료
이유경, 강승주
서울대학교병원 강남센터 내과
Correspondence: 
Seung Joo Kang, Tel: +82-2-2112-5772, Fax: +82-2-2112-5794, Email: ksjoo55@snuh.org
Received: 15 March 2026   • Revised: 22 April 2026   • Accepted: 11 May 2026
Abstract
The endoscopic diagnosis of gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs) relies primarily on gross features, including shape, color, surface characteristics, mobility, and size. However, endoscopic inspection alone is insufficient for a definitive diagnosis because SELs are covered by normal mucosa and originate from the deeper layers of the gastric wall. Recent guidelines from Korea, the United States, and Europe recommend endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to ascertain the lesion characteristics and layer of origin. The updated Korean guidelines recommend periodic endoscopic surveillance for asymptomatic lesions < 10 mm in size. In contrast, lesions ≥ 20 mm or those with highrisk features may warrant histologic confirmation, with tissue acquisition typically undertaken via mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy (EUS-FNA/B). For lesions < 20 mm, MIAB demonstrates a superior diagnostic yield than EUS-FNA/B. The therapeutic options include endoscopic submucosal dissection, submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection, and endoscopic full-thickness resection. The treatment selection should be individualized based on lesion characteristics, operator expertise, and institutional resources to ensure safe and effective management.
Key Words: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Endoscopy; Endosonography; Endoscopic mucosal resection
주제어: 위상피하병변; 내시경 진단; 내시경초음파; 내시경절제술


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