Enormous gastrointestinal stromal tumor arising from the stomach causing weight loss and anemia in an elderly female: Case report

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal tumors of gastrointestinal tract originating from the interstitial cell of Cajal. The presentation is variable depending on the size and site. CT scan is the most widely used imaging. The primary treatment is surgical resection. Imatinib may be used in unresectable tumors or preoperatively. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old lady had weight loss and repeated vomiting for one year. Examination showed a non-tender mass in the left hypochonrdium arising below the costal margin extending to 15 cm toward the left iliac fossa. It was firm with smooth surface. CT-scan examination showed a 45 cm × 21 cm mass arising between the spleen and the left kidney and displacing the kidney toward the midline. Gastroscopy and biopsy showed gastrointestinal stromal tumor. During surgery an enormous gastric tumor attached to the spleen. Total gastrectomy en-block with splenectomy and reconstruction done through roux-en-y esophago-jejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy. CONCLUSION: GISTs most commonly affect the stomach, most tumors are treated by primary surgical excision with normal safety margins, advanced disease may need imatinib before surgery which helps in decreasing the size of the tumor and makes surgery easier.