GI stromal tumors

This chapter discusses the background, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). GIST are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accounting for approximately 1% of all GI cancers. Patients with von Recklinghausen’s disease, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome have an increased incidence of GIST. GIST can present with early satiety, GI bleeding, anemia, or symptomatic intestinal obstructions, but are most commonly identified during evaluation of non-specific symptoms. The differential diagnosis of GIST includes the other subepithelial mesenchymal gut tumors. Appearance on H+E staining of these tumors can be similar, but immunohistochemical staining allows accurate diagnosis in most cases. In rare instances, GIST can lead to urgent symptoms in pregnancy that must be addressed. Overt GI bleeding or symptomatic bowel obstructions should be evaluated and treated with appropriate radiographic, endoscopic, or surgical intervention.