GIST – a rare type of disease

A rare type of disease GIST is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. It occurs in connective tissues, bones, muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels and cartilage. This disease can spread from original area to distant area in body as well. There are types of this disease including Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor belongs to group of cancers and is categorized in familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor, adult gastrointestinal stromal tumor, gastrointestinal stromal tumor associated with neurofibromatosis and pediatric gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Initially, patients suffering from GIST do not feel any symptoms. But in later stage they notice common symptoms such as vomiting, early feeling of fullness, abdominal bleeding and fatigue due to anemia and vague abdominal pain. It has been seen that tumor rather becomes larger till the patient start feeling any discomfort and consult with doctors. It is diagnosed by performing some exams. Primary tumor can be removed by surgical treatment but radiotherapy and traditional chemotherapy do not really work. There is a drug called Glivec. It is often used to treat tumor. Sometimes, primary tumor does not remove completely by surgical treatment so to remove the primary tumor this type of drug is used. There are groups working with a mission to ensure survival of GIST patients, maintaining quality of their lives and informing their family members regarding the disease.  Groups work in different areas including research and treatment surveillance, information and support, patient outreach and assistance, and advocacy programs.