A stromal tumor most commonly seen in the gastrointestinal tract. Rare cases of solitary masses in the omentum or the mesentery have also been reported (extragastrointestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumor). It is a tumor that differentiates along the lines of interstitial cells of Cajal. Most cases contain KIT- or PDGFRA-activating mutations. Until recently, surgery has been the only effective therapy for this tumor. However, many patients still experience recurrence. Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been of limited value. A KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate (also known as STI-571 or Gleevec), is now effective in the treatment of relapsed and unresectable cases
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following features are indicative of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
trouble swallowing
gastrointestinal bleeding
metastases (mainly in the liver)
intestinal obstruction
outward pattern of growth
abdominal pain or discomfort
It is possible that Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following are the most common causes of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
mutation in the DNA of cells
out of control cells grow and division
mutations in the KIT gene (85%) PDGFRA gene (10%) or BRAF kinase (rare)
Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
inherited syndromes
chemical exposure
radiation exposure
hereditary
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
carney triad
Prevention of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
No, it is not possible to prevent Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.
mutations in the KIT gene (85%) PDGFRA gene (10%) or BRAF kinase (rare)
Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
X-rays: To visualize a soft tissue mass
Ultrasound: To create images of internal structures
Computed tomography: To form cross-sectional views of structures within the body
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To create detailed images
Positron emission tomography: To observe metabolic processes in the body
Biopsy: To understand the type and aggressiveness of cancer
Doctor for Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
Oncologist
Complications of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors if untreated
Yes, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors is left untreated:
hemorrhage
bowel obstruction
volvulus
intussusception
bowel perforation with peritonitis
Procedures for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following procedures are used to treat Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
Surgery: To remove the cancer cells
Radiation therapy: To shrink the tumor so that it's easier to remove
Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells in the body
Self-care for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
Dangerous chemical exposure: Avoid exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene help prevent condition from worsening
Avoid smoking: Help prevent condition from worsening
Radiation exposure: Avoid exposure to high levels of radiation help prevent condition from worsening
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:
Acupuncture: To treat pain and balancing the flow of energy
Aromatherapy: To enhance psychological and physical well-being
Massage: Relax muscles and alleviate body pain
Meditation: To ease the side effects of cancer treatment
Relaxation exercises: Help reducing stress
Patient Support for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
The following actions may help Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors patients:
Education: By knowing about leukemia and researching information in local library and on the internet
Time for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.