The purpose of this study is to compare the clinicopathological characteristics of stomach and small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumors and to determine the risk factors and treatment guidelines.

Among 38 patients who were diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor from August 1998 to May 2006, 29 patients at the Pundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Daejin Medical Center were evaluated. The clinicopathological characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumors arising from stomach and small bowel were compared. Immunohistochemical staining for CD117, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin, and S-100 protein was performed and classified according to NIH criteria. Prognosis between groups was analyzed according to NIH criteria.

There was no significant difference in the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis between gastrointestinal stromal tumors arising from the stomach and small bowel. Recurrence of the disease occurred in four (13.8%) patients. Classification of gastrointestinal stromal tumors according to NIH criteria was predictive of recurrence (P=0.030).

NIH criteria were predictive of recurrence, but the location of the primary site was not predictive of recurrence. A further study involving multi center data and a long-term follow-up will be needed for formulating diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.