Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

GIST

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

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Gastrointestinal Cancer Program

Our expert team treats all cancers of the gastrointestinal system, as well as pancreatic and liver cancers, with surgery, chemotherapy, and more.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
department

Colon and Rectal Surgery

BMC's colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.
Colon and Rectal Surgery