Best Gastrointestinal Stromal ( GIST ) Doctor In South Delhi Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare type of cancer that arises in the digestive tract, primarily in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (30%). It originates from the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), which help regulate gut movement. GISTs can be benign or malignant, with malignant forms being more aggressive and prone to spread. Causes & Risk Factors GISTs are mainly caused by genetic mutations, particularly in the KIT or PDGFRA genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. While most cases are sporadic, some are linked to hereditary conditions like Carney-Stratakis syndrome. Risk factors include: Age (common in people over 50) Genetic predisposition Slight male predominance Symptoms Small GISTs may be asymptomatic, but larger tumors can cause: Abdominal pain or discomfort Gastrointestinal bleeding (black or bloody stools, vomiting blood) Nausea, vomiting, or early satiety Fatigue due to anemia Unexplained weight loss Diagnosis & Treatment Diagnosis involves: Endoscopy with biopsy CT or MRI scans to assess tumor size and spread Immunohistochemistry (CD117/KIT marker testing) Treatment Options: Surgery – Preferred for localized GISTs Targeted therapy – Imatinib (Gleevec), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is the first-line treatment for advanced/metastatic GISTs Other TKIs – Sunitinib or Regorafenib for resistant cases Radiation & chemotherapy – Generally ineffective for GIST Prognosis & Prevention Early-stage GISTs have a good prognosis with surgery, but metastatic cases require lifelong targeted therapy. Regular follow-ups are crucial for monitoring recurrence. Preventive measures are limited due to the genetic nature of GIST Consult us today.👇 Contact Us📞 +91 7303055137 Email:care.cure.clinic.2020@gmail.com