Atypical localisation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour: A case report of pancreas gastrointestinal stromal tumour

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. They originate from any part of the tract as well as the omentum, mesentery or retroperitoneum. In this study, we present a case of a GIST arising at an extraordinary site of the tract, the pancreas. An investigation into abdominal distension in a 30 year old man revealed a cystic, septated distal pancreatic lesion 13 cm in diameter. There were no intra-abdominal or distant organ metastases. The patient was operated on with a provisional diagnosis of a cystic pancreas tumour. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. The lesion was diagnosed as a gastrointestinal stromal tumour upon histopathological examination. He was discharged on the sixth day after the operation without any complications and was followed up for 21 months without systemic or local recurrence. Extragastrointestinal GISTs are reported rarely. To our knowledge, only one pancreatic GIST has been reported previously in the English literature. © Copyright 2013 by Turkish Surgical Association.