Clinicopathological spectrum of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A case series

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common primary mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract, and they are potentially malignant tumors with varied biological behavior. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of GISTs in our institution. Medical records of nine cases of GISTs diagnosed during January 2018 to March 2021 were reviewed. Details of patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment details, and gross and histopathological features were noted. GISTs were commonly seen in stomach in 50–60-year age group with slight male preponderance. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom. Other sites encountered were colon, mesentery, peritoneum, and omentum. Most of the gastric GISTs were in low-risk group. Mean size of the tumor was 9.3 cm. Spindle cell type was the most common histological pattern with diffuse hypercellularity subtype. All cases were positive for CD117 (c-kit). One case was inoperable due to dissemination in abdominal cavity, surgery was done in all other cases, and imatinib therapy was given for high-risk cases postoperatively. GIST is uncommon with diverse clinical presentation. CD117 is a very sensitive marker for making a diagnosis of GIST. Successful management of GISTs requires complete surgical resection and adjuvant imatinib therapy for intermediate- and high-risk patient.