# Diagnostic Complexity and Long-Term Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Mimicking Ovarian Origin: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor initially mistaken for an ovarian tumor highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing such complex cases.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the importance of intraoperative analysis and long-term follow-up in accurately diagnosing and managing GISTs.

## Key findings

- The patient's tumor was initially misdiagnosed as ovarian cancer but was confirmed as a GIST through histopathological analysis.
- Three years of follow-up showed no signs of disease recurrence or complications.
- The case underscores the need for detailed intraoperative evaluation and differentiated care for accurate diagnosis and management.

## Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors occurring in the gastrointestinal tract particularly the stomach or small intestine originating from interstitial cells of Cajal. This case report describes a 50-year-old postmenopausal female presenting with a gradually increasing abdominal mass which clinically was thought to be a neoplasm originating in the ovaries. A clinical and imaging diagnosis of primary ovarian malignancy was made but during laparotomy, a mesenteric component to the malignancy as well as bilateral ovarian cysts were seen. The mass was removed with care and histopathological analysis confirmed it to be GIST. Follow-up of the patient was done for three years and there was no sign of any disease in the patient and she had an uncomplicated postoperative period. This case describes the intricacy of GISTs’ diagnosis, the significance of detailed intraoperative analysis, and appropriate postoperative surveillance. Differences and similarities with other similar cases shed light on how such patients present themselves for treatment, thus encouraging differentiated care. Supervisory care is therefore vital in the monitoring of the patient for prolonged periods and to check for any relapse.