GIST stands for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, which is a type of cancer that begins in the digestive system. GISTs are rare tumors that can start anywhere in the intestinal tract, from the esophagus to the anus, but they happen most often in the stomach and small intestine. GISTs are different from other, more common types of GI tract cancers that develop from other types of cells. They start when certain cells that help move food through the GI tract begin to grow out of control, and they can crowd out normal cells, which makes it hard for the body to work the way it should.
Symptoms of GISTs may include stomach pain, bloating, bleeding, or no symptoms at all. To diagnose a GIST, a healthcare provider may start by asking about symptoms and health, and then check for a growth in the abdomen. Imaging tests may also be used to find the tumor. Treatment for GISTs depends on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options may include surgery, targeted drug therapy, or clinical trials. The outlook for people with GIST has improved dramatically in the last 20 years, and in some patients, surgery may be curable.
