Histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract with stomach being the commonest site. These mesenchymal neoplasms account for only about 1% of all primary malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These mesenchymal neoplasms belong to a group of tumors known as the connective tissue cancer group. GISTs are recognized to start from the interstitial cells of Cajal or their stem cell precursors. The natural evolution of these neoplasms is variable. Studies on GISTs have revealed molecular genetics and histopathological features that lead to molecular abnormality-based classification, diagnosis, and treatment. On the contrary, an increasing awareness of risk stratification is important to highlight the parameters that identify the biologic behavior based on recurrence or metastasis. This review aimed to study by histopathological and immunohistochemical tests for accurate diagnosis and differentiating GISTs from other tumors with the same location. In addition, molecular genetic understanding was necessary to determine the treatment approaches and identify patients who benefit from adjuvant therapy.