GIST Cancer

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GIST Cancer

What is it? How and why it happens?

Cancer may begin in any part of the body. A GIST (pronounced “jist”) is a rare form of cancer that begins in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. This is the direction that food takes within our bodies. GISTs usually begin in the stomach or small intestine, but they may also begin in the oesophagus (the tube connecting the throat and the stomach), colon, rectum, or ovaries.

GISTs are not the same as other cancers that begin in the gastrointestinal tract, such as colon and stomach cancers. GISTs aren’t treated in the same way as cancers are. GISTs develop when certain cells that aid in the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract expand out of control. They can crowd out healthy cells, making it difficult for the body to function properly.

Many GISTs do not manifest symptoms immediately. They are often discovered during a person’s exam or examination for another problem.

If you have a GIST, you can experience symptoms such as vomiting blood or getting bloody or dark-colored stools. They can also cause stomach pain, appetite loss, or weight loss. Some people with GISTs experience fatigue as a result of blood loss from the tumour into their stools.

Not all GISTs need immediate treatment. Small tumours that are expected to develop slowly can simply be monitored. However, if care is needed, surgery is normally the primary treatment option, if it is possible. If the tumour has spread, targeted drugs are more likely to be used. Some forms of therapy are used less often.

The Best care plan for you will be Determined by :

The tumor’s stage and location are also important factors to consider.
If the tumour can be surgically removed safely.
The likelihood of a recurrence of the tumour following treatment.
Your overall health and age.
Your thoughts on the medication and any side effects that could occur.

A) SURGERY – The tumour and a rim or edge of healthy tissue around it are removed during surgery. If it is possible, this is the key remedy for GISTs. The type of surgery is determined by the location of the tumour. Inquire with your doctor about the type of surgery you’ll need and what to expect.

B) TARGETED DRUGS – Targeted drugs go after some of the changes that help cancer cells develop. These drugs primarily target cancer cells, not healthy cells in the body. If surgery is not a choice, they are often the primary treatment for GISTs. Some tumours may also be treated with them before or after surgery.

These medications are in the form of tablets that you can take at home. They have different side effects than chemotherapy medications.

The drug used has different side effects. Any of these medications can cause stomach discomfort, loose stools, muscle pain, skin changes, and exhaustion. It’s quite likely that the side effects would be worse.

Many of the side effects caused by targeted medications may be treated. If you’re experiencing side effects, let the cancer care team know so they can assist you.

C) CHEMOTHERAPY –

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the treatment of cancer with medications. These medications are often inserted into a vein (IV) or taken orally. They penetrate the bloodstream and travel across the body, making this treatment suitable for cancers that have spread beyond the organ in which they began.

Chemotherapy refers to any medication used to treat cancer, including targeted therapy drugs like imatinib (Gleevec), which are now widely used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). However, the term “chemo” refers to a class of drugs that operate by targeting rapidly growing cells anywhere in the body, including cancer cells.

Traditional chemo drugs were often tried before targeted therapy drugs were discovered to be effective in treating GISTs. Traditional chemo is seldom used today because GISTs seldom shrink in reaction to these medications.

D) RADIOTHERAPY –

The use of high-energy x-rays (or particles) to destroy cancer cells is known as radiation therapy. Radiation is rarely used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) because it is ineffective. However, it can be used to treat symptoms such as bone pain.

The radiation team will take precise measurements before beginning the treatment to determine the best angles for aiming the radiation beams and the appropriate dose of radiation. This simulation preparation session usually involves imaging assessments such as CT or MRI scans.

Radiation therapy is similar to having an x-ray, except that the radiation is far more strong. The procedure itself is almost painless. It only lasts a few minutes, but the setup time (getting you in the right position for treatment) usually takes longer. It’s possible that you’ll be exposed to radiation for multiple days in a row.

How does elite onco care centre help ?

Elite Hemat Onco Care Center is a unique combination of Day Care and registered Hospital with required statutory approvals. Assurance and commitment is our priority through Medical innovations, advanced technology, professionally equipped units such as semi ICU manned with intensive care specialists and oncologists, thereby, ensuring our patient’s safety backed by absolute comfort. Through our endeavors, we wish to support the majority of cancer patients breaking all barriers such as hospitalization cost, unaffable technology and continual care.