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
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam and history : An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
- Endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy : Endoscopy and ultrasound are used to make an image of the upper GI tract and a biopsy is done. An endoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. A probe at the end of the endoscope is used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. This procedure is also called endosonography. Guided by the sonogram, the doctor removes tissue using a thin, hollow needle. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
If cancer is found, the following tests may be done to study the cancer cells:
- Immunohistochemistry : A test that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens in a sample of tissue. The antibody is usually linked to a radioactive substance or a dye that causes the tissue to light up under a microscope. This type of test may be used to tell the difference between different types of cancer.
- Mitotic rate : A measure of how fast the cancer cells are dividing and growing. T
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.