A patient with a 9.6-kg gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumour managed at a tertiary referral hospital in Ndola, Zambia

Abstract

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Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) constitute 1% to 3% of gastrointestinal tract tumours and 5% to 6% of sarcomas, representing the most prevalent subset of mesenchymal tumours within and beyond the gastrointestinal system. GISTs have an annual global incidence of 10 to 20 million cases. The carcinogenesis of GISTs originates from mutations in the KIT (also known as CD117) and PDGFA (platelet-derived growth factor A) genes within the interstitial cells of Cajal, resulting in the activation of tyrosine kinase receptors. These tumours are typically asymptomatic or incidentally identified during surgery or imaging studies. Diagnosis is confirmed through immunohistochemical staining with a positive KIT (CD117) marker. For resectable GISTs and those with limited metastases amenable to resection (liver or peritoneal), achieving surgical resection with clear margins is imperative. This report discusses the management of a patient at Ndola Teaching Hospital with a preoperative diagnosis of an ovarian tumour, which intraoperatively was identified as a gastric tumour.