Home > Gastroenterology > Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Location - stomach 60 to 70%, small intestine 20 to 30%. 10% - colon, rectum, esophagus. Extraintestinal sites possible.

Symptoms - palpable abdominal mass, pain, early satiety, anorexia, vomiting, GI bleed.

Incidence - 1 to 3% of all malignant GI tumors.

Pathogenesis - possibly originating from precursor cells to the Interstial Cells of Cajal.

Markers - CD 117 antigen as marker for KIT receptor kinase, 95%.

Diagnosis - endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, CT with oral and IV contrast, 18F-FDG PET scan

Treatment - surgical resection, imatinib mesylate - Gleevec - inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of KIT

Please consider an official gastroenterology consult and refer to the sources below.

Discussion - on Google+.

Sources:
1. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease- 2 Volume Set: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, Expert Consult Premium Edition - ... & Liver Disease (Sleisinger/Fordtran))

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