Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

In the case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), abnormal cells form in the supporting connective tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. GISTs may be malignant or benign and are most common in the stomach and small intestine but may be found anywhere in or near the GI tract.

Most GISTs are not caused by inherited genes, but in rare cases GISTs can be found in several members of the same family with heritable variants of the KIT and SDH genes or with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute