When is a GIST not a GIST? A case report of synchronous metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor and fibromatosis

• Main Authors: Desilva Keshani, Hadley Alison, Lee Chee, Smith Gareth, Goldstein David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-01-01
• Series: World Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Online Access: http://www.wjso.com/content/7/1/8

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A number of non-malignant diseases that share similar morphological features as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) have been reported. Co-existence of GIST with these other diseases is rarely recognized or reported.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of a 62 year-old man with long-term stable control of metastatic GIST with systemic therapy, presented with an apparent intra-abdominal progression but not supported by imaging with positron emission tomography. Subsequent resection of the intra-abdominal tumor identified a non-malignant fibroid.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Differentiating localized progression of GIST from other diseases has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. The potential for co-existence of non-malignant soft tissue neoplasm should always be considered.</p>