Metastatic Pattern of Spread of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Introduction:
Also known by its acronym, GIST, it is a rare tumor arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal (pacemaker cells) within the GI tract.
Prevalence: Very Rare Metastasis Frequency: Common
References:
Radiology. 2003 Feb;226(2):527-32. PMID: 12563150
"Unusual metastatic sites in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)" J Clin Oncol 27:15s, 2009 (suppl; abstr 10566)
"Incidence of bone metastases in GIST: A single center analysis of 307 patients with metastatic disease." J Clin Oncol 26: 2008 (May 20 suppl; abstr 10565)
Primary Tumor:
| Characteristics | Comments | |
| Small Intestine | Intramural, Centrally Necrotic, Large, Calcified | most common sites are stomach and small intestine (about equally)
often endophytic and/or exophytic components |
Known Metastatic Locations:
| Site | Frequency | Characteristics | Comments |
| Liver | Common | Hypoenhancing | |
| Peritoneum | Common | ||
| Local Lymph Nodes | Rare | ||
| Bone | Rare | Lytic | |
| Retroperitoneum | Very Rare | ||
| Lung Parenchyma | Very Rare | Nodule |