Clinicopathological Profile of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours in a Tertiary Care Centre in Jammu Region

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a soft tissue sarcoma of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These are known to arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical characteristics of GISTs in a tertiary care centre. Material & Methods: This study comprises of 45 patients who were diagnosed as GIST and were registered in the department of Pathology from 1st May 2018 to 31st August 2021. The demographic and clinicopathological data were collected and analysed carefully. Results: Most of the patients presenting with GIST were in the 6th decade (23 cases, 51.1%) with females (35 cases, 77.8%) being more commonly affected than males. Stomach was the most common site of origin (30 cases, 66.7%) in our study, with abdominal pain (18 cases, 40%) being the most common presenting symptom. Spindle cell type was the most commonly reported histological type in 35 cases (77.8%). 80% of GISTs showed low mitotic counts. Majority of cases (35 cases, 77.8%) belonged to intermediate risk category. Conclusion: With the availability of various risk categorization systems, GISTs can be treated on the basis of assessment of array of prognostic factors, risk of metastasis and recurrence which will further aid in lowering the morbidity and mortality associated with GISTs.