Signs and Symptoms of GIST: Signs to Be Aware of
Where does GIST occur?
GIST can occur anywhere along the GI tract. Approximately 60% of GISTs are found in the stomach; 25% in the small intestine; 5% in the rectum; 2% in the esophagus; and 5% in other locations including the appendix, gallbladder, and pancreas.
What are the symptoms of GIST?
The most common symptoms of GIST are abdominal discomfort or pain and bleeding into the intestinal tract. The bleeding may appear as dark or black bowel movements. The bleeding may result in anemia (low blood cell counts), and this in turn may manifest as tiredness or shortness of breath.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss may also be present.
GIST symptoms may not be apparent until the tumors become a certain size or grow in a certain location.
Diagnosing GIST: And Why It's Sometimes Misdiagnosed
How is GIST diagnosed?
A test for GIST, known as KIT staining, is the most reliable way to make an accurate diagnosis and get a patient started on needed treatment.
95% of GISTs stain positive for KIT, making it the most common tumor marker for the illness.
GIST is sometimes misdiagnosed
It is only within the last few decades that scientists have discovered the true nature of GIST. In fact, it was not until 1983 that the phrase stromal tumor was introduced, thus acknowledging its difference from other gastrointestinal tumors.
Most GISTs occur in 2 major patterns. One type, called spindle cell, represents 70% of all GIST cases. A spindle-cell GIST resembles other cancers, which can make it difficult to accurately identify.
Another type of GIST, called epithelioid, accounts for 20% of all cases. The remaining 10% consists of a mixture of spindle cell and epithelioid.
Symptoms of GIST resemble those of more common ailments. Because of this, and since GIST is so rare, most doctors may not immediately identify the condition.
Prognosis for GIST: How Size and Grade Factor in
What is the prognosis after GIST is discovered?
The prognosis for GIST is dependent on a number of factors. These include the size of the tumor, the grade, and whether or not it has spread (metastasized).
How size is a factor
The smaller the tumor, the less likely it is to spread, therefore the better the prognosis. The best outlook is for tumors that are less than an inch.
What is tumor grade?
A tumor's grade is a measure of its tendency to grow and spread. For GIST, the grade is determined by finding out how many dividing cells there are. Using a microscope, a pathologist will count the number of cells undergoing division.
