Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a type of tumor that occurs in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. GISTs develop when the cells lining the digestive tract start to abnormally multiply and divide. This abnormal cell growth leads to the formation of a tissue mass called a tumor. The cells involved in Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs).
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are abnormal growths that develop in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They can cause a range of symptoms, depending on their size and location.
Symptoms of GISTs may include:
-Decreased appetite
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Stomach pain or cramping
-Blood in the stool
-Bowel obstruction (blockage of the intestine)
Doctors take many factors into consideration when choosing a diagnostic test for a patient. The type of tumor, the patient's age and overall health, and the signs and symptoms the patient is experiencing all play a role in deciding which test is best.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors can be diagnosed using several different tests, including upper endoscopy, MRI scan, PET scan, CT scan, biopsy, tumor pathology, and biomarker testing.
The treatments available for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) vary depending on the size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy are all possible treatment options that may be recommended by a doctor. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to decide which treatment option is best for them.
