[Gastrointestinal stroma tumors--a special entity with unique radicality principles]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare. Their malignant variety represents only 3 percent of all malignant GI tumors. These tumors are most frequently found in the stomach and in the small bowel, while tumors of the large bowel are rare. Notably in the rectum slightly more tumors are found, easy access possibly enhancing diagnosis of asymptomatic lesions. Preoperatively and intraoperatively it is difficult to distinguish benign and malignant lesions. Treatment requires complete removal with a two centimeter margin. Systematic lymphadenectomy is not required. Tumor grading has been determined as prognostic factor for malignant GIST. Overall 5 year survival following potentially curative resection was 69 percent in our series of 46 patients.