Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour

Abdominal pain and loss of appetite can be a sign of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST). The growth of aberrant cells that form inside the tissues of the digestive system has an impact on the development of GIST.

- Dr. Sharanabasappa Hatti

We have all occasionally experienced abdominal pains followed by nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss. Often, we ignore them because they turn out to be ulcers or acidity. However, sometimes these symptoms, if ignored over a long period, could be fatal. An uncommon yet serious type of cancer that appears in the gastrointestinal tract is Gastrointestinal stromal tumour, also known as GIST.

The growth of aberrant cells that form inside the tissues of the digestive system has an impact on the development of Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). This tumour has unique characteristics since it is fundamentally different from more typical tumours like stomach and colon cancer. The development of cells presumed to originate from a particular type of nerve cell found in the walls of the digestive organs is a critical feature that sets GIST apart. Typically, the small intestine and stomach are the organs most susceptible to develop gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

• The causes of GIST

The precise cause of this cancer is still uncertain because of the GIST’s sporadic growth pattern. The medical community’s understanding of how specific DNA alterations result in the development of abnormal cells that causes GIST has, however, made significant strides. Little is known about the risk factors that contribute to the disease. The few but significant risk factors for GIST is listed below.