Welcome to the latest episode of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy podcast. Today we're diving into a fascinating topic in the world of gastroenterology inflammatory fibroid polyps, also known as IFP or Vanneck tumors of the GI tract. Let's start with some visuals. Imagine, if you will, images of Vanneck tumors located in the duodenum and the stomach. You can also check the images in the show notes or in the podcast artwork, where available.

Inflammatory fibroid polyps or Vanneck tumors are rare sub-mucosal lesions. They arise from a reactive, benign granuloma-like process of the GI tract. These tumors are most commonly located in the stomach, accounting for about 70% of cases. They're also found in the ileum, making up 29% of cases, and the colon, accounting for 6% of cases. Other locations such as the esophagus, duodenum, ileum and gallbladder each account for about 1% of cases. Patients with these tumors may present with abdominal pain, bleeding and obstructive signs.

Diagnosis is made by histology. However, the endoscopic findings often show a sub-mucosal lesion that is ulcerated or an elevated ulcer, such as in these cases. On histology, the main characteristic of these tumors are the presence of spindle cells accompanied by vascular and fibroblastic proliferation and eosinophilic infiltration. Immunohistochemistry is a crucial tool to distinguish IFP or Vanneck tumors from GIST. While GIST are CD117ine and DOG1-positive IFPs are CD34 and Vementine-positive but negative for CD117ine, c-kit, dog1, s-100, desmin, alk and IGG4. Treatment generally consists of endoscopic or surgical resection of the lesion. That's all for today's episode. We hope you found this information enlightening. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of gastroenterology. Thank you for listening.