title: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) presenting as a groin mass mimicking and incarcerated hernia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The contents of a hernial sac can harbor preperitoneal fat, epiploon or some hollow viscera, with a malignant lesion in its interior being an unusual finding.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present the case of a 59 year-old male who arrived in the Emergency Department with an irreducible inguinal hernia, with no local signs of vascular compromise. The diagnosis was made after examining the hernia sac, using an inguinal approach, showing evidence of a largely necrosed gelatinous mass, which was resected by mid-line infraumbilical laparotomy. The mass was diagnosed as a high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GIST are characterized by the absence of symptoms in most cases. The unusual presentation, as incarcerated hernia, allowed the diagnosis of this disease. The tumor measured 6cm with a mitotic index greater than 5/50 CGA tumor is classified as high risk. The finding of a thickened peritoneum proceeded to opening. The exploration of the sac is critical.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exploring the hernia sac in any complicated hernia, especially when the sac has macroscopic alterations and presence of areas of bleeding inside is essential.
authors.affiliation: N. S. Soledad, Avenue 35, Cantillana, Seville 41320, Spain. Electronic address: tinoko243@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tinoco-González
keywords: GIST; Hernia; Imatinib; Incarcerated