Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a type of rare cancer that is found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are usually benign, meaning they generally do not spread to other parts of the body. GISTs are usually found in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. They can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but they are most commonly found in the stomach. GISTs start in the cells of the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal tract. These cells are called interstitial cells of Cajal and are responsible for controlling the movement of food through the digestive system. GISTs are thought to develop when these cells start to grow in an abnormal way. The most common symptom of a GIST is abdominal pain. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and blood in the stool. GISTs can also cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Diagnosis of GISTs usually requires a combination of imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, and biopsy of the tumor. Treatment of GISTs depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and location of the tumor, as well as any associated symptoms.