The
stomach is the most frequently noted site (50~60%) of
gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This
tumor is categorized into three subtypes (the spindle
cell type, the epithelioid type or mixed type) according to the shape of the
cells that make up the
tumor. We herein
report on a case of
gastrointestinal stromal tumor with an epithelioid subtype in a 60-year-old
male. On admission, the
patient presented with epigastric
pain and
melena.
Endoscopy revealed a submucosal
tumor with a central
ulcer at the gastric body. Gastric wedge resection was performed. The
tumor cells showed a rounded shape and positive
staining for CD117. Because the epithelioid type
gastrointestinal stromal tumor is unusual in
Korea, we
report here on this case along with a
review of the relevant
literature.