Open AccessGastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach: How to manage?
Author(s) -
Kazuya Akahoshi,
Masafumi Oya
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1948-5190
DOI - 10.4253/wjge.v2.i8.271
Subject(s) - gist , medicine , endoscopic ultrasound , stomach , stromal tumor , radiology , biopsy , forceps , stromal cell , pathology , general surgery , surgery
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the most common malignant mesenchymal tumors of the stomach. Prognosis of this disease is related to tumor size and mitotic activity and early diagnosis is the only way to improve it. Diagnosis of GIST always requires histological and immunohistochemical confirmation as no imaging modalities can diagnose it conclusively. Endoscopic forceps biopsy results are frequently negative. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a technique which allows tissue samples to be obtained with minimal risks and is accurate in the diagnosis of GIST. From the point of view of the endoscopist, aggressive use of EUS-FNA is the only promising way to allow early diagnosis and early treatment of this disease.