GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) arise from specialised cells in the wall of the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach and small intestine. They vary widely in behaviour, from slow-growing to aggressive, and are treated with surgery and, when the risk of recurrence warrants it, targeted therapy.

Recognising the Symptoms

• Vague abdominal pain, discomfort or a feeling of fullness
• Gastrointestinal bleeding — black stools or vomiting blood — often with anaemia and fatigue
• A lump or swelling that can be felt in the abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting, or early satiety and loss of appetite
• No symptoms at all — many small GISTs are found incidentally during endoscopy, scans or surgery for another problem

Diagnosis & Risk Assessment

Endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (with biopsy where needed) and CT imaging locate the tumour and show whether it has spread. Pathology confirms the diagnosis using immunohistochemistry (typically CD117 and DOG1), while tumour size, site and mitotic rate determine the risk of recurrence, and mutation testing helps guide the choice of targeted therapy.

Surgical & Targeted Treatment

Complete surgical removal of the tumour with clear margins, without rupturing it, is the cornerstone of treatment for localised GIST and can often be done laparoscopically; because GISTs rarely spread to lymph nodes, extensive lymph node removal is usually not needed. Targeted therapy with imatinib is used after surgery for higher-risk tumours, before surgery to shrink large tumours, and for advanced disease.

Why Choose Dr. Abhishek Mitra

• Postdoctoral (HBNI) fellowship in GI & HPB Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
• Faculty for interactive sessions with GIST patients and caregivers, in collaboration with Max Foundation, at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
• Multidisciplinary treatment planning coordinated with medical oncology
• Minimally invasive and robotic techniques offered wherever clinically appropriate

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and expert surgical care make a significant difference in outcomes for GIST. If you or a family member have been advised to consider treatment for this condition, a detailed evaluation can help determine the most appropriate course of care for your situation.