TabletWise.com
 

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

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.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

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.

Sign Up



Share

Share with friends, get 20% off
Invite your friends to TabletWise learning marketplace. For each purchase they make, you get 20% off (upto $10) on your next purchase.