The prevalence of gastrointestinal stromal tumour as seen in the Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth), Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) represent 1% of all malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, it is the most common Mesenchymal tumour of the GIT with majority (40 to 60%) arising from the stomach.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of GISTamong patients in Jos University Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2012.
Methodology: Five (5) antibodies were used on the Mesenchymal tumours (CD117, CD34, Desmin, SMA and S100). Diagnosis of specific Mesenchymal tumours was based on histological patterns of the tumours on H and E stained slides and immunostaining  characteristics of the tumours.
Results: Seven Mesenchymal tumours seen within the study period. This comprises of 6 GIST and 1 Leiomyosarcoma.
Conclusions: This study shows that even though GISTis a rare tumour, it is the commonest Mesenchymal tumour of the stomach. It also shows that they are commonly positive for both CD117 and Cd34.

Keywords: GIST, Mesenchymal Tumour, Gastrointestinal Tract, Stomach