Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. They are potentially malignant, and have an unpredictable evolution. The origin of these tumors is in the interstitial cells of Cajal, which are cells that are interposed between the intramural neurons and the smooth muscle cells of the digestive tract. GISTs are characterized by mutations in the gene c-Kit, but also other mutations, such as those of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha. The most common locations of these tumors are the stomach and small intestine, although they can occur at any level of the digestive tract and occasionally in the omentum, mesentery and peritoneum. Most cases of GISTs are sporadic, and about 5% of cases are part of family genetic syndromes. The correct diagnosis of GIST is determined by histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. According to histopathology, there are three main types of GISTs: spindle cell type, epithelioid type and mixed type. The therapeutic management of GIST includes surgery, endoscopic treatment and chemotherapy. The prognosis of patients with GIST varies depending on a number of factors, such as risk category, GIST stage, treatment applied and recurrence after treatment.
Highlights
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are non-epithelial neoplasms, involving the gastrointestinal tract
Tumors located outside the gastrointestinal tract are rare, and it is believed that they originate in the ICCs, in which accidentally disperse during embryogenesis [13,14]
It was reported that up to 50% of patients with GISTs may develop metastases
Summary
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are non-epithelial neoplasms, involving the gastrointestinal tract. Necroptic studies incidentally revealed a significant number of patients with GIST, with dimensions up to 1 cm [5,6]. These tumors are most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged between 50 and 70 years old. The survival rate of patients with GIST varies depending on the following factors: risk category or GIST stage, treatment applied and recurrence after treatment. Tumors located outside the gastrointestinal tract are rare, and it is believed that they originate in the ICCs, in which accidentally disperse during embryogenesis [13,14]
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