A Rare Case Of Early Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor In 34-Year-Old Woman: A Caution For Adnexal Tumor Mimicry

Abstract

Introduction: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are the leading type of mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, constituting 80% of these tumors and 0.1% to 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. They arise from spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells known as interstitial cells of Cajal. Its onset can be at any age, with the peak occurring in the sixth decade. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with a complaint about a lump in her lower abdomen that has been progressively enlarging over the past year without any significant symptoms following the lump. Findings in the ultrasound suggest an ovarian mass. Laparotomy was carried out, and while no ovarian mass was found, instead a mass was identified in the mesentery of the small bowel. As a result, a complete excision of the tumor was performed, with histopathologic and immunohistochemical results confirming a GIST diagnosis. Conclusion: Representing a tiny percentage of gastrointestinal tumors, GISTs are rare. GISTs may be asymptomatic or present without any typical symptoms. Sole reliance on clinical and radiological investigations can cause them to be easily overlooked. Awareness of GIST is critical and care must be taken in diagnosis since other tumor can mimic GISTs in endoscopic, imaging, and histological findings.