The main lessons to take home concerning this case are:

1. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are primary mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract, which were formerly known as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, and leiomyoblastomas.

2. Many are small and asymptomatic, but larger tumors in the stomach and upper small bowel present with adominal pain and/or bleeding.

3. All symptomatic tumors and most tumors over 2 cm need surgical resection because of malignant potential. Histology, EUS, and CT all have features which suggest malignant disease, but size is the most important predictor.

4. Another case of GIST in these rounds discusses molecular biology and newer forms of therapy.