GIST — Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Treatment in Lucknow
A GIST — gastrointestinal stromal tumour — is an uncommon tumour that arises in the wall of the digestive tract, most often in the stomach. GISTs behave differently from common GI cancers and respond to specific targeted drug therapy, but surgery to remove the tumour remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma treats GISTs in Lucknow at Medanta, combining specialist surgery with multidisciplinary oncology input.
What is a GIST?
GISTs develop from specialised cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. They range from small, harmless growths found incidentally to larger tumours that need treatment. Because GISTs are driven by particular genetic changes, they respond to targeted 'tyrosine kinase inhibitor' medication — which is used alongside surgery in selected cases.
Symptoms to watch for
- Often none — many are found incidentally on endoscopy or a scan
- Vague abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness
- Bleeding from the GI tract, sometimes causing anaemia
- A palpable abdominal mass with larger tumours
Causes & risk factors
- Specific genetic changes within the tumour cells (usually not inherited)
- Rarely, part of an inherited syndrome
How it is diagnosed
- Endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy
- Contrast CT scan to assess size and spread
- Specialised pathology to confirm the diagnosis and guide therapy
How GISTs are treated
For most localised GISTs, surgery to remove the tumour with a clear margin is the main treatment, and often curative. Because GISTs rarely spread to lymph nodes, extensive node removal is usually unnecessary, and minimally invasive surgery is frequently possible.
For larger tumours, or where there is spread, targeted drug therapy is used — sometimes before surgery to shrink the tumour, and sometimes afterwards to reduce recurrence. Dr Verma plans each case with the oncology team to combine surgery and targeted therapy appropriately.
When to see a GI surgeon
- A GIST or submucosal tumour found on endoscopy or a scan
- Unexplained GI bleeding or anaemia
- A new abdominal mass or persistent discomfort
GIST (Stromal Tumour): common questions
Is a GIST a cancer?
A GIST is a tumour of the GI tract wall that can behave in a benign or a malignant way depending on its size, location and microscopic features. Small GISTs may simply be monitored; others need surgery. Specialist pathology determines how a particular GIST is likely to behave and guides treatment.
Can a GIST be removed by keyhole surgery?
Often, yes. Because GISTs rarely spread to lymph nodes, many can be removed with a clear margin using minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) surgery. The approach depends on the size and location of the tumour, which Dr Verma will assess.
Concerned about gist (stromal tumour)?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.