Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are cancerous growths that develop in the digestive tract. They most commonly form in the stomach and small intestine.
These tumors develop from specialized nerve cells within the walls of digestive organs. These cells help control food movement through the digestive system.
GISTs can affect people of any age, though they occur most frequently in adults. They are extremely rare in children. In most cases, doctors cannot identify the exact cause of these tumors.
The growth patterns of GISTs vary significantly from person to person. Some remain small for years, while others may grow more aggressively.
Signs and Symptoms
Smaller tumors often cause no symptoms at first. As they enlarge, people may experience:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- A noticeable lump or mass in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
- Black or bloody stools, which may indicate internal bleeding
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any concerning symptoms like those listed above, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Don’t ignore persistent abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or changes in your digestive patterns, as early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
Causes
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) develop in the digestive system, commonly affecting the stomach and small intestine. The exact trigger for these tumors often remains unknown.
These cancers typically begin in specialized nerve cells located in the walls of digestive organs that help control food movement through the body.
The development of GISTs stems from DNA changes in these nerve cells. In normal cells, DNA provides instructions for controlled growth, multiplication, and eventual death. However, when genetic mutations occur, these instructions become altered.
The changes in DNA cause three main problems:
- Uncontrolled growth – cancer cells multiply rapidly.
- Extended lifespan – cells don’t die when they should.
- Abnormal cell accumulation – too many cells gather in one area.
This abnormal cell growth leads to tumor formation. As the tumor expands, it can invade nearby healthy tissue and disrupt normal organ function.
In advanced cases, cancer cells may break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body. We call this process metastasis.
The most common genetic changes linked to GISTs involve mutations in genes called KIT and PDGFRA, which normally help regulate cell growth. When these genes mutate, they can cause continuous activation of growth signals, leading to tumor development.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the chance of developing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs):
- Family History: People with relatives who have had GISTs may face a higher risk.
- Genetic Conditions: Certain inherited syndromes like neurofibromatosis type 1 and Carney-Stratakis syndrome are linked to a greater GIST likelihood.
- Age: While GISTs can occur at any age, they appear most commonly in adults and rarely affect children.
These risk factors don’t guarantee someone will develop a GIST, but they may warrant more careful monitoring in certain individuals.
