We will present a practical course that focuses on mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. This course is designed for general surgical pathologists and pathologists-in-training who want an up-to-date review of this challenging diagnostic area.

A series of cases of mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract will be presented. Specifically, we will present cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, schwannoma, inflammatory fibroid polyp, clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, desmoid fibromatosis, perineurioma (and other polyps), PEComa, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and plexiform fibromyxoma. Emphasis will be placed on differential diagnosis and how light microscopic features, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis can be integrated to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Prognostic features, treatment implications and reporting issues will also be discussed.

Virtual slides and still images, along with histories, will be posted on the USCAP website for review by pre-registrants prior to the meeting. A syllabus summarizing diagnostic features and differential diagnosis, and providing a comprehensive reference list will be distributed at the meeting. All course registrants will also receive web access to the PowerPoints presented during the course along with the text portion of the syllabus.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: 1) Recognize the histological features of a wide range of mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract; 2) Compose an appropriate differential diagnosis; 3) Examine immunohistochemical and molecular tests to arrive at the correct diagnosis; 4) Discuss the pertinent prognostic and treatment issues relating to each diagnosis; and 5) Construct a complete surgical pathology report including data relevant for different tumor types.

(NEW COURSE) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.