Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (patient information)
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor |
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Where to find medical care for Gastrointestinal stromal tumor? |
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Gastrointestinal stromal tumor |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Gastrointestinal stromal tumor |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs may be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer). They are most common in the stomach and small intestine but may be found anywhere in or near the GI tract. It is thought that GISTs begin in cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which are located in the wall of the GI tract.
What are the symptoms of Gastrointestinal stromal tumor?
Common symptoms of GIST include
- Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool or vomit.
- Pain in the abdomen, which may be severe.
- Feeling very tired.
- Trouble or pain when swallowing.
- Feeling full after only a little food is eaten.
What causes Gastrointestinal stromal tumor?
Who is at highest risk?
Age and genetic factors can increase the risk of having a GIST. Individuals in the age group of 50-80 years are believed to be at the highest risk. The risk of GIST is also increased in people who have inherited a mutation (change) in a certain gene. These mutations can predispose an individual to an increased risk of GIST. Such conditions include Neurofibromatosis type 1, Carney-Stratakis syndrome and Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor syndrome. In rare cases, GISTs can be found in several members of the same family.
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Gastrointestinal stromal tumor?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Prevention of Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- How quickly the cancer cells are growing and dividing.
- The size of the tumor.
- Where the tumor is in the body.
- Whether the tumor can be completely removed by surgery.
- Whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.