The Problems Associated with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours

Introduction

A gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a rare type of sarcoma that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. It develops in the connective tissues muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and the fatty and fibrous tissues. Genetic factors can increase the risk of having a gastrointestinal stromal tumour.

Symptoms

Symptoms of GIST can vary depending on the size and location of the tumour. They may include:
• Blood in your faeces or vomit
• Anaemia (low-level red blood cells)
• Fatigue
• Fever and sweating at night
• Discomfort or pain in your tummy
• Painless lump in the tummy
• Feeling sick and vomiting
• Weight loss

In order to diagnose a gastrointestinal stromal tumour imaging in the form of a CT, MRI, Endoscopic Ultrasound or Barium x-ray can be used to determine the location and size and whether it has spread. As well as this a fine-needle aspiration biopsy and Upper endoscopy can also be used.

Treatment

Surgery is usually the first and most successful treatment method for GIST. This includes removing the tumour as well as an area of normal tissue too (called taking a margin). This ensures that any unidentifiable cancer cells are also removed along with the tumour. This reduces the risk of cancer coming back and metastasizing to other areas of the body.

Targeted drug treatments are used to cause the cancer cells to die. This is often used in conjunction with surgery to either prevent the tumour from growing and/or reoccurring. Imatinib (Gleevec) is the first line targeted therapy used to prevent GIST recurrence after surgery as well as being used to shrink the tumour prior to surgery.

In summary, it is crucial that if a gastrointestinal stromal tumour is suspected that diagnosis is made in a timely manner to ensure that treatment can commence and ensure the tumour does not spread. This ultimately will give the best chance in improving the patient’s overall condition and prognosis.