STROMAL TUMORS OF THE DIGESTIVE-TRACT - A DUODENAL LOCATION

BACKGROUND: Stromal tumors of the digestive tract are undifferentiated connective tissue tumors which are difficult to characterize even wit h immunohistochemistry. CASE REPORT: A stromal tumor of the duodenum ( the most frequently encountered location) was resected entirely. Histo chemistry was unable to provide a precise identification of the histol ogical nature. The tumor was considered to be low grade due to the low mitosis index despite its large size and the presence of necrosis. Ca reful surveillance was indicated. DISCUSSION: The risk of these tumors is uncertain and may be assessed on the basis of histological prognos is factors such as tumor size, mitosis index and ploidy. Echoendoscopy can be particularly useful for diagnostic purposes providing informat ion on location in the duodenal musculosa.