Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a type of tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal tract. They are most commonly found in the stomach and small intestine, but can occur anywhere along the tract.

Pronunciation

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: /ˌɡæstrɵɪnˈtɛstɪnəl ˈstroʊməl ˈtuːmərz/

Etymology

The term "gastrointestinal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "enteron" (intestine). "Stromal" refers to the connective tissue cells that support the organs. "Tumor" is derived from the Latin word "tumere" which means to swell, referring to the abnormal growth of cells.

Related Terms

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Tumor
• Cancer
• Oncology
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Overview

GISTs are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors. They are part of a group of cancers known as sarcomas, which originate in the connective tissues of the body. GISTs can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The cause of GISTs is not well understood, but they are thought to arise from a type of cell in the gastrointestinal tract known as the interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of GISTs typically involves a combination of medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy to examine the cells of the tumor under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment options for GISTs depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, targeted drug therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
• Wikipedia's article - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

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