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.

Comprehensive lectures on mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract will be presented. Specifically, we will focus on gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, schwannoma, inflammatory fibroid polyp, clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, desmoid fibromatosis, mucosal 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, along with histories, will be posted on the USCAP website for review by pre-registrants prior to the meeting. A comprehensive reference list as well as print-outs of the lectures will be distributed at the meeting. All course registrants will also receive web access to the PowerPoint presentations after the course.

Upon completion of this educational activity, 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) Effectively use 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.