Overview:
The most common types of gastric tumors are Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI carcinoid tumors are rare and most grow very slowly. Most of them occur in the small intestine, rectum, and appendix. Sometimes more than one tumor will form. Signs and symptoms for this type of tumor include abdominal pain, constipation, change in stool color, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and heartburn. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (Soft Tissue Sarcoma) Soft tissue sarcoma is a broad term for cancers that start in soft tissues (muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves). These cancers can develop anywhere in the body but are found mostly in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. Signs of gastrointestinal stromal tumors can include blood in the stool, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, and pain when swallowing.
Who treats gastric tumors?
Surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists
Treatment options:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Ablation and Embolization (for GIST)
- Targeted therapy (for GIST)
To learn more about gastric tumors, click here.
Source: National Cancer Institute
