Abstract

Geetha A/P Das, *Purushotham Krishnappa, Dhanashri Kshitij Panse and Rashindra Ravindran

ABSTRACT

Gastro intestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumour of the gastrointestinal tract. These tumours can arise in any part of the gastrointestinal tract but are more commonly seen in stomach. It is recognised with recent studies that these tumours arise from interstitial cells of Cajal. These tumours show expression for CD117 and CD34 on immunohistochemical staining. The prognosis of the patients with these tumours correlates well with tumour size, its location and mitotic activity. The genetic markers like telomerase activity and KIT mutation are also the important prognostic factors. Tumours with KIT mutation show better response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor like imatinib. The histochemical markers are useful in diagnosing GIST with malignant potential accurately. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, morphological features, clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of GIST.