What Are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors? Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of...
What Are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors?
Cancer
starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any
part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas of the body.
To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?
Gastrointestinal
stromal tumors (GISTs) start in special cells in the wall of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. To understand
GISTs, it helps to know something about the structure and function of the GI
tract.
Types :
The
GI tract also has neuroendocrine cells. These cells have some features in
common with nerve cells but other features in common with hormone-producing
(endocrine) cells. Cancers that develop from these cells are called neuroendocrine
tumors (NETs). These cancers are rare in the GI tract. Carcinoid tumors are an example of a neuroendocrine tumor
found in the GI tract.
Other
rare types of cancer in the GI tract include different types of soft tissue sarcomas, such as:
·
Leiomyosarcomas:
cancers of smooth muscle cells
·
Angiosarcomas:
cancers of blood vessel cells
·
Malignant
peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs): cancers of cells that support and
protect nerves
GISTs
are different from these other GI tract cancers. They start in different types
of cells, need different types of treatment, and have a different prognosis
(outlook). This is why doctors need to figure out whether a person with a tumor
in the GI tract has a GIST, some other type of cancer, or a non-cancerous
condition.
Other GI tract cancers
It's
important to understand that GISTs are not the same as other, more common types
of GI tract cancers that develop from other types of cells.
Cancers
can occur anywhere in the GI tract − from the esophagus to the anus. Most GI
tract cancers, including those of the esophagus, stomach, colon, and
rectum, start in the gland cells that line almost all of the GI tract. The
cancers that develop in these cells are called adenocarcinomas.
Cancers
can also start in squamous cells, which are flat cells that line some parts of
the GI tract, like the upper part of the esophagus and the end of the anus.
Cancers starting in these cells are called squamous cell carcinomas.
Genetic factors can increase the risk of having a gastrointestinal
stromal tumor.
Anything
that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will
get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer.
Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
The genes in cells carry the hereditary information received from a person’s parents.
The risk of GIST is increased in people who have inherited a mutation (change) in a certain gene. In rare cases, GISTs
can be found in several members of the same family.
GIST
may be part of a genetic syndrome, but this is rare. A genetic syndrome is a set
of symptoms or conditionsthat occur together and is usually caused by abnormal genes. The following genetic syndromes have been
linked to GIST:
·
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
·
Carney triad.
Signs of gastrointestinal stromal tumors include blood in the stool or vomit.
These
and other signs and symptoms may be caused by a GIST or by other
conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
·
Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool or vomit.
·
Pain
in the abdomen, which may be severe.
·
Feeling
very tired.
·
Trouble
or pain when swallowing.
·
Feeling
full after only a little food is eaten.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment
options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
·
How
quickly the cancer cells are growing and dividing.
·
The
size of the tumor.
·
Where
the tumor is in the body.
·
Whether
the tumor can be completely removed by surgery.
·
Whether
the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
Risk Factors
·
A
risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such
as cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for gastrointestinal stromal
tumors.
Prevention
·
The
only known risk factors for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) − age and
certain rare, genetic syndromes – cannot be changed. At this time we do not
know of any way to protect against these cancers.
Treatment Option Overview
KEY POINTS
·
There
are different types of treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stromal
tumors.
·
Four
types of standard treatment are used:
o Surgery
o Targeted therapy
o Watchful waiting
o Supportive care
·
New
types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
·
Treatment
for gastrointestinal stromal tumors may cause side effects.
·
Patients
may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
·
Patients
can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer
treatment.
·
Follow-up
tests may be needed.
There are different types of treatment for patients with
gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Different
types of treatments are available for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Some treatments
are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are
being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments
or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is
better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard
treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment
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