A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. This type of tumor is thought to grow from specialized cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are usually found in adults between ages 40 and 70; rarely, children and young adults develop this type of tumor.
Symptoms
- pain or swelling in the abdomen
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract
Treatments
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
Risk Factors
- being between 40-50 years old
- genetics
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
A program within the Cancer Center providing diagnosis and treatment for cancers of the gastrointestinal system, including stomach, colon, and esophageal cancers, with coordinated…
department
Colon and Rectal Surgery
BMC’s colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.