What is GIST?
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a rare type of tumor that originate in the digestive tract’s specialized nerve cells. While GIST can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system, from the esophagus to the rectum, it commonly affects the stomach or small intestine.
The symptoms of GIST can be subtle and mimic those of more common gastrointestinal issues, which makes early diagnosis challenging. Understanding the common symptoms of GIST is crucial for an early and accurate diagnosis so that effective treatment can be initiated. Below, we’ll discuss the common and uncommon symptoms that may indicate GIST, which can help you and your healthcare practitioner recognize and treat this condition more effectively.
Common Symptoms of GIST
Common symptoms of GIST may be subtle and often resemble other gastrointestinal conditions. They may include any of the following:
- Abdominal pain. This is often the first and most noticeable symptom of GIST. The pain may be intermittent, or it may be persistent. The intensity of pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp, severe type of pain. Abdominal pain is often the result of the tumor pressing against other structures or organs in the abdomen.
- A palpable mass. You may feel a swelling or lump in your abdomen. A mass is sometimes detected through a routine physical examination or imaging tests, including CT scans. Depending on the tumor’s growth, the size and location of mass can vary.
- Nausea and vomiting. This symptom occurs because the tumor can cause partial obstructions or blockages in your digestive treat. This can lead to a feeling of fullness, discomfort and the inability to keep food down, especially after eating.
- Loss of appetite and early satiety. As the tumor grows, it can interfere with normal digestion and cause a loss of appetite. You may feel full quickly or develop an aversion to eating, which can lead to significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Fatigue. Slow, chronic bleeding from the tumor can cause a drop in red blood cells (anemia), which can lead to weakness and exhaustion.
- Bleeding. The tumor may erode blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding. This may cause dark, tarry stools or blood in your stool. In severe cases, it can lead to significant blood loss and anemia.
Uncommon Symptoms of GIST
There are also uncommon symptoms of GIST to look for. These are less likely to happen, but if you experience them, speak to your doctor. Uncommon symptoms of GIST may include:
- Constipation. If the tumor grows large enough to obstruct your intestines, it can slow down or block the passage of stool, leading to constipation. Constipation may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort and bloating.
- Difficulty swallowing. Tumors in the esophagus can cause difficulty swallowing. You may feel that food is getting stuck, which can lead to reduced food intake, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Severe abdominal pain. In rare cases, a tumor may rupture, leading to sudden and severe abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency.
- Perforation. A GIST can cause a hole (perforation) in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to peritonitis, which is a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity that requires urgent surgical intervention.
- Jaundice. If the tumor obstructs the bile ducts, it can cause a build-up of bile in the liver, leading to jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes as well as dark urine and pale stools).
When to Speak to Your Doctor
As previously mentioned, symptoms of GIST are often subtle and mimic other benign gastrointestinal conditions. However, it’s important to recognize when you should talk to your doctor about symptoms that you’re experiencing. If you have any of these symptoms, promptly consult your doctor:
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Visible gastrointestinal bleeding (dark, tarry stools or blood in your stool).
- A palpable mass in your abdomen.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly).
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark urine or pale stools).
- Sudden and severe abdominal pain.
Final Notes
Understanding the common and uncommon symptoms of GIST is essential for the early detection and treatment of this type of tumor. While GIST can present with symptoms that mimic other benign gastrointestinal conditions, recognizing them can lead to an earlier diagnosis and timely medical treatment.
Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, visible gastrointestinal bleeding, a palpable abdominal mass, persistent nausea and vomiting, early satiety, jaundice or sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Early and accurate diagnosis can have a significant impact on managing GIST effectively.
Looking for more information on maintaining a healthy digestive system? Check out our article on drinks to avoid for colon health.