GIST Learning Center

Symptoms of GIST
- Intestinal bleeding due to the erosion of the tumor into the inside of the intestine.
- Occasionally GIST cause abdominal pain or bloating as a result of blockage of the intestine.
- Blockage of the intestine progresses and can manifest as nausea and vomiting or even abdominal pain.
- Rarely an abdominal mass or lump can be felt.

How are GIST Diagnosed?

How are GIST Treated?
How are GIST Treated?
Treatment of GIST depends on the location and size of the tumor. Some small GIST, particularly those within the stomach, can be managed with ‘watchful waiting’ without removal. When tumors are larger or when there is concern that they might have a more aggressive course surgical resection will be necessary. If surgical resection is difficult to perform without excessive side effects or if the tumor has spread at the time of diagnosis, medical therapy is used before surgery.
Where do GIST come from and why is this important for treatment?
What does surgical treatment of GIST involve?
Laparoscopic Resection Gastric GIST
Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric GIST: A Simplified Approach
Robotic Resection of a Duodenal GIST
Prognosis
The prognosis for smaller tumors, particularly those within the stomach is excellent. When tumors are larger or involve other organs surgical removal may need to be followed by medical treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The prognosis following surgery for GIST can be estimated using a simple
nomogram which takes into account tumor size, location and mitotic index which is a measure of how actively the cells within the tumor are dividing. The nomograms can be accessed using the link below.