RESUMO
In rare cases, early gastric cancer resembles the endoscopic features of a submucosal tumor (SMT). A correct histological diagnosis is difficult with repeated biopsy specimens because they are covered with normal mucosa. Some features known to suggest malignant SMT include a size greater than 3 to 5 cm, a rapid growth rate, echoheterogeneity and irregular margins on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Various techniques including US-guided biopsy, partial removal by an endoscopic snare excision, as well as EUS with a fine needle aspiration were used to enhance the diagnostic accuracy. We recently experienced a case of early gastric cancer, presenting as a submucosal tumor-like lesion, which was confirmed by endoscopic mucosal resection. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.