Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gut wall. GIST have still today controversial aspects of their histogenesis that are reflected on the classification, clinical behaviour and prognosis. The authors analyzed 14 studies observed between 2000 and 2001; also the tumors early classified as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas and schwannomas were included in these studies because, on the basis of immunohistochemical analysis, their cells were c-Kit positive. The GIST occurred in 728 patients with the age range of 12 days-96 years with a male predominance (59.3%). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (25.4%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (23.4%). CT scan was the most important diagnostic technique. Surgery was the only useful treatment; in this study completeness of resection predicted for longer survival. Overall survival was between 21.4% and 88.8%; the percentage of deaths was between 11.1% and 78.5%. Distant metastases, localised in liver and lungs, and locoregional recurrences developed in a percentage between 9% and 68%.