Dr Ujwal Zambare

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Treatment by Dr. Ujwal Zambare

A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a rare type of tumor that develops in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. It originates from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), which regulate digestion. While small GISTs may not cause symptoms, larger tumors can lead to abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding, which may result in anemia and fatigue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, Best Gastroenterologist in Wakad, Pune, for expert GIST diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and personalized treatment are key to managing GIST effectively.

Causes

The exact cause of GISTs isn’t known, though they seem to be related to a mutation in the expression of the KIT protein. Cancer develops when cells begin to grow out of control. As the cells continue to grow uncontrollably, they build up to form a mass called a tumor. GISTs start in the GI tract and can grow outward into nearby structures or organs. They frequently spread to the liver and peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) but rarely to nearby lymph nodes.

Symptoms

  • bloody stools
  • pain or discomfort in the abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • bowel obstruction
  • a mass in the abdomen that you can feel
  • fatigue or feeling very tired
  • feeling very full after eating small amounts
  • pain or difficulty when swallowing

Treatment

The options for treating GISTs depend on whether the tumor can be surgically removed or if the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of your body. There are four standard types of GIST treatment:

  • Surgery. If the GIST hasn’t spread and it’s safe to do so, a healthcare professional may surgically remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue. A thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope may be used to make incisions and remove tissues.
  • Targeted therapy. Your doctor may prescribe drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which block signals for tumors to grow. These drugs are less harmful to healthy cells than chemotherapy or radiation.
  • Watchful waiting. A healthcare professional will monitor your condition but won’t prescribe treatment until there’s a change in your symptoms or signs.
  • Supportive care. To help improve your quality of life, you may receive supportive care if your GIST gets worse or you have side effects from treatments.

Diagnosis

  • CT or CAT scan. This procedure takes specialized X-rays that provide detailed views of your GI tract.
  • MRI scan. As you lie still in an enclosed area, a magnet and radio waves make detailed images of your GI tract.
  • Upper endoscopy. An endoscope, a thin instrument with a light and lens, is inserted through your mouth into your upper GI tract, allowing your organs to be visually examined.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This procedure uses an endoscope with a probe that bounces ultrasound waves off your organs. This causes echoes that create a sonogram, an image of your body tissues.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy. By using an endoscope with a fine needle attached to it, your doctor can remove a small amount of tissue from the tumor for a biopsy.

Expert GIST Treatment by Dr. Ujwal Zambare

Dr. Ujwal Zambare at True Life Clinic & Wellness Center Wakad, provides expert care for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs), offering advanced diagnosis and personalized treatment options. GISTs are rare tumors that develop in the stomach or small intestine and can cause abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, the best Gastroenterologist in Wakad, PCMC, Pune, for specialized GIST care. Early diagnosis and expert treatment can make a significant difference in managing your condition effectively.

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