GI Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can arise in the stomach, small intestine, colon, or less commonly other digestive organs. The term is commonly used in gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, pathology, radiology, and GI surgery to describe and classify these tumors.
MALT Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that arises from immune cells in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It most often involves the stomach, but it can occur in other mucosal organs. In gastroenterology, it is commonly discussed when evaluating chronic gastritis and unusual gastric ulcers or thickened folds. It is typically considered an indolent (slow-growing) B-cell malignancy, but behavior varies by case.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis is an inflammatory condition where eosinophils build up in parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is discussed in gastroenterology when unexplained abdominal symptoms are paired with tissue eosinophilia on biopsy. It most often involves the stomach and small intestine, but other GI segments can be affected. It is used clinically as a diagnosis after other causes of GI eosinophilia are considered and excluded.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis is a form of pancreatitis driven by immune-mediated inflammation rather than alcohol, gallstones, or infection. It can mimic pancreatic cancer because it may cause a pancreatic mass, duct narrowing, and jaundice. It is commonly discussed in gastroenterology, hepatology, radiology, pathology, and pancreatic surgery. It is important because it is often steroid-responsive and may involve other organs.
Polycystic Liver Disease is a condition where many fluid-filled cysts develop throughout the liver. A cyst is a sac lined by cells that contains fluid, and in this disease the cysts are typically non-cancerous. It is most often discussed in hepatology and nephrology because it can occur with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Clinicians use the term to describe a spectrum from mild, incidental cysts to extensive cyst burden that causes symptoms from “mass effect.”
A Liver Cyst is a fluid-filled space within the liver tissue. Most are found incidentally during imaging done for other reasons. Some liver cysts are harmless, while others signal infection, bleeding, or tumor-related disease. The term is commonly used in radiology reports, hepatology clinics, and surgical planning.
Liver Nodules are localized, rounded areas in the liver that look different from surrounding tissue. They are usually found on imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some Liver Nodules are benign (non-cancerous), while others can represent cancer or pre-cancerous change. Clinicians use the term to describe a finding that needs characterization in the context of the patient.
Hepatomegaly means an enlarged liver. It is a clinical finding noted on physical examination or imaging. It is commonly used in gastroenterology, hepatology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and radiology reports. It is a starting point for describing liver disease patterns rather than a diagnosis by itself.
An Abdominal Mass is an abnormal lump, fullness, or enlargement felt or seen in the abdomen. It can come from the abdominal wall, organs, blood vessels, or spaces behind the abdominal cavity. Clinicians use the term during physical examination, imaging interpretation, and surgical planning. It is a descriptive finding, not a diagnosis by itself.
Chronic Abdominal Pain is abdominal pain that persists or recurs over a prolonged period, commonly measured in weeks to months. It is a symptom description, not a single diagnosis. The term is used in clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient services to frame evaluation and documentation. It helps clinicians organize possible causes across gastrointestinal (GI), hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gynecologic, urologic, and systemic conditions.