Our experience with gastrointestinal stromal tumors over a period of three years from a tertiary care centre

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Stomach being the commonest site in the GIT, it can occur in the extra-intestinal areas like mesentery, retroperitoneum, omentum and prostate. Exceptionally rare in urinary bladder. Commonly present as solid tumors but cystic degeneration can occur in large tumors especially in extra intestinal regions and may be mistaken for ovarian tumors. We have studied GISTs for a period of 3 years and presenting certain rare entities we encountered. Aim of the study was to study the age and sex prevalence and relative distribution of GISTs in gastrointestinal and extra gastrointestinal (EGIST) areas in various sites, and morphological features in relation to certain rare variants. Methods: 18 surgical resected specimens of gastrointestinal and extra gastrointestinal masses received at the department of pathology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, were studied for a period of 3 years from July 2013 to June 2016. Results: GISTs were found to be common in male patients with male to female ratio of 2:1. GISTs of Small bowel showed female predilection. 40% of EGISTs were of larger size and malignant. Conclusions: Age, sex and morphological features were consistent with literature.  Small intestine showed slightly increased prevalence when compared to stomach and large intestine. Tumor size and mitotic count were predictors of outcome. EGISTs showed higher incidence in women and pelvic GISTs have to be carefully evaluated to differentiate them from ovarian tumors.