SARCOMAS OF STOMACH

Abstract

Sarcomas of the gastric wall, other than lymphomas, are a heterogeneous group of stromal malignant neoplasms composed of round and spindle cells. Many are malignant forms of epithelioid leiomyoma. Small cell size, high cellular density, a high rate of mitotic activity and cellular pleomorphism are helpful clues in distinguishing malignant from benign gastric stromal tumors. Sarcomas of the stomach are aggressive, rapidly growing neoplasms. Among 44 examples metastases occurred in 3/4 of the patients, usually within the 1st yr after diagnosis.