Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is defined as mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract expressing proto-oncogene protein CD117. They are the most common sarcomatous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are presumed to arise from interstitial cells of Cajal or gastrointestinal pacemaker cells which control gut motility. They have unpredictable biological behavior. Prognosis is dependent on tumor size as well as mitotic count. Radical surgical excision is the treatment of choice. They rarely metastasize to lymph nodes. Imatinib therapy is used as an adjuvant therapy. The follow-up of patients postsurgery is not standardized.

Highlights

  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is defined as mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract expressing proto-oncogene protein CD117

  • GISTs are presumed to arise from interstitial cells of Cajal or gastrointestinal pacemaker cells which control gut motility

  • Extra-GI tract GISTs have been reported in the omentum, mesentery, retroperitoneum, gallbladder, and urinary bladder.[3,4,5]

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Summary

Introduction

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is defined as mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract expressing proto-oncogene protein CD117. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are defined as mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract expressing proto-oncogene protein CD117.1 They are the most common sarcomatous tumors of the GI tract They were originally believed to be a smooth muscle sarcoma and previously named as leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma.[1] They are known to originate from Interstitial cells of Cajal (Intestinal pacemaker cells). Symptomatic GISTs usually present with bleeding (hematemesis/melena), vague abdominal pain or discomfort, and weight loss These tumors may show intramural growth leading to obstruction or have intramural and extramural growth leading them to achieve massive size. Some patients with large GISTs may have externally palpable masses.[6,7] Lymph node metastasis is extremely rare.[1] The most common metastasis is to the peritoneum and liver.[1] Metastasis to the lung and bone in some cases has been reported.[8] Size and mitotic index are the best predictors of metastasis.

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