Gastrointestinal stromal tumor other imaging findings

Endoscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).An endoscope can be used in conditions where GIST is located in accessible places such as stomach, esophagus and large intestine. On an endoscopy, GIST can appear as a smooth submucosal mass with areas of ulceration or bleeding.

Endoscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). An endoscope can be used in conditions where GIST is located in accessible places such as stomach, esophagus and large intestine. However, GIST located outside the lumen of wall may not be visible on an endoscopy. Findings on an endoscopy suggestive of GIST include:^[1][2][3]

• Smooth submucosal mass
• Areas of ulceration or bleeding

Endoscopic guided biopsy may be done for definite diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). However, percutaneous biopsy is not routinely recommended.

• Patients with unresectable GIST must undergo biopsy to determine tumor cell type and chemotherapy.
• GISTs are highly vascular which puts them at a risk of bleeding.
  • Percutaneous fine needle biopsy may put the patient at an increased risk of tumor rupture and bleeding.
  • Percutaneous biopsy can also lead to tumor seeding along the biopsy tract such as peritoneum or mesentery.
  • Thus, patients in whom surgery is an option are advised not to undergo biopsy.

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