Abstract
This comprehensive case report meticulously outlines the clinical manifestation, diagnostic trajectory, surgical intervention, pathology, chemotherapy, and patient follow-up in a challenging instance of a giant exophytic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) emerging from the antral part of the stomach in a 56-year-old male patient. Over the course of a year, the patient presented with symptoms including abdominal distension, a progressively enlarging lump, constipation, and abdominal fullness. Our diagnostic strategy, anchored by ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), yielded crucial insights into the tumor's precise dimensions and anatomical location. The subsequent surgical planning and execution were pivotal, entailing a meticulous dissection of the cystic mass from adjacent structures to ensure negative margins. Histopathological scrutiny of frozen sections from the lymph nodes and excised antral margins conclusively confirmed the absence of malignancy, facilitating primary closure. This case report underscores the decisive role of accurate diagnostic imaging in shaping surgical strategies and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing GISTs. Beyond the surgical realm, the case highlights the significance of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), particularly imatinib, in the treatment paradigm. Additionally, the report sheds light on ongoing research endeavors to refine treatment modalities in GISTs.