Abstract

Mahesh Gupta, Manoj Gupta and Pooja Gupta

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tumors that originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal. Melena or hematemesis and anemia are the most common presentations and CT scan is the investigation of choice in demonstrating the endoluminal and exophytic extent of tumor. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in GIST and chemoradiation has not proved to be very effective. We have encountered two such cases of GISTs in our clinical practice. 62-years and 32-years old males presented with epigastric and paraumblical pain respectively. Clinical examination revealed a well defined epigastric mass of approximate size 12*10 cms in former and a vague paraumblical mass in the later. Contrast Enhanced CT Scan of abdomen and pelvis suggested the origin of masses in each case and exploratory laparotomies performed in both of them revealed a mass in relation to the stomach and ileum respectively. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are very useful aids in making a diagnosis of GIST and surgery remains the choice of treatment even in cases of larger GISTs.