Recent Trends in Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. However, it only represents 1-2% of all neoplasms of the digestive tract. They were previously considered smooth muscle tumors as leiomyomas. The discovery that GIST arises from the interstitial cells of Cajal categorized this tumor as a separate entity from other mesenchymal tumors. The median age of presentation is usually in the 60's with an equal prevalence in both sexes. The most common site of affection is the stomach. Many patients present with clinical symptoms, others are discovered accidentally during an abdominal exploration or a radiological study for another purpose while others are only identified at autopsy. The most common symptom is gastrointestinal bleeding however, other vague abdominal symptoms may occur or symptoms of metastasis.