A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. This type of tumor is thought to grow from specialized cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are usually found in adults between ages 40 and 70; rarely, children and young adults develop this type of tumor.
Symptoms
- pain or swelling in the abdomen
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract
Treatments
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
Risk Factors
- being between 40-50 years old
- genetics