title: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: the histology report.
abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represent a mesenchymal neoplasm occurring primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, and showing differentiation toward the interstitial cell of Cajal. Its incidence is approximately 15 case/100,000/year. Stomach and small bowel are the most frequently affected anatomic sites. GIST represents a morphological, immunophenotypical and molecular distinct entity, the recognition of which has profound therapeutic implications. In fact, they have shown an exquisite sensitivity to treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib. Diagnosis relies upon morphology along with immunodetection of KIT and/or DOG1. When dealing with KIT negative cases, molecular analysis of KIT/PDGFRA genes may help in confirming diagnosis. Molecular evaluation of both genes are in any case recommended as mutational status provides key predictive information. Pathologists also play a key role in providing an estimation of the risk of biological aggressiveness, which is currently based on anatomic location of the tumor, size, and mitotic activity.
authors: Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy. apdeitos@ulss.tv.it
authors: Angelo P
authors: AP
authors: Dei Tos
authors: Licia
authors: L
authors: Laurino
authors: Italo
authors: I
authors: Bearzi
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Messerini
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Farinati
mesh_terms: D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010336:Pathology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013048:Specimen Handling