Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of cancer that begins in the digestive system. GISTs are uncommon cancers that start in special cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. Most GISTs start in the stomach or small intestine, but they can also start in the esophagus, colon, rectum, or other places. GISTs are not the same as more common types of cancer that start in the GI tract, such as colon cancer and stomach cancer.
To diagnose a GIST, a healthcare provider might start by asking about symptoms and health. They may also check for a growth in the abdomen. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET scans can help find the tumor and see its size. If symptoms suggest that a person may have a GIST, they might need other tests to find the tumor.
Some GISTs dont need treatment right away. Very small GISTs that dont cause symptoms might not need treatment. Instead, a person might have tests to see if the cancer grows. If a GIST grows, treatment can start. The goal of surgery is to remove all the GIST. Its often the first treatment for GISTs. Treatment for GISTs is not based on the stage of the cancer, but on the size and location of the tumor, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
