A hidden cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are a subset of gastrointestinal (GI) mesenchymal tumours of varying differentiation and represent 1-3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies--70% occur in the stomach. Previously, these tumours were classified as GI leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, leiomyoblastomas or schwannomas on the basis of histological findings and the fact that these tumours apparently originate in the muscularis propria layer of the intestinal wall. With the advent of immunohistochemical staining techniques and ultrastructural evaluation, GISTs are now recognised as a distinct group of mesenchymal tumours. Most cases are sporadic although some families with hereditary GISTs have been described. We report a coinicidental finding of GIST in an asymptomatic patient and subsequent management.