Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Focus on Diagnosis and Management

摘要

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that usually start in very early forms of special cells found in the wall of the GI tract, called the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Symptoms are usually variable, depending on tumor size and location, but many patients are asymptomatic. Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) occur in the stomach or small intestine. These tumors might not cause any symptoms unless they are in a certain location or grow to a certain size. Small tumors might not cause any symptoms and may be found accidentally when the physician is looking for another problem. These tumors are often benign. The main treatment for GIST that hasn’t spread is usually surgery to remove all of the tumors. The above mentioned topics, as well as classification, causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis and prognosis of GISTs were discussed in this review.