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Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Screening

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s experts use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose gastrointestinal stromal tumors as quickly as possible.

Screening for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or GIST, is one of the rarer forms of stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers.

As of today, there is no cancer screening test specifically for GIST. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s gastrointestinal cancer experts are working on accurate GIST screening options and early detection methods. Routine screenings, like colon cancer screenings, and an awareness of any new symptoms are important in early detection of GIST.

Most GISTs form in the stomach and the small intestine. A smaller percentage of GISTs develop in other areas of the GI tract. Many GISTs are detected because a patient is experiencing symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately: 

  • Throwing up blood. This can indicate brisk bleeding into the esophagus or stomach. Because the blood may be partially digested, it could resemble coffee grounds rather than bright red liquid.
  • Black and tarry bowel movements, or stools. This can indicate brisk bleeding into the stomach or small intestine.
  • Blood in the stool. This can indicate brisk bleeding into the large intestine. When this occurs, the stool could be red with blood.
  • Unexplained fatigue and weakness. This can indicate a low red blood cell count, due to a slower bleed from the tumor. A person can develop anemia and feel weak and tired.

Sometimes, a GIST is found during an imaging test that is being performed for another reason. This is known as an incidental diagnosis. For example, a GIST may be found during a routine colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. The American Cancer Society’s GI guidelines for colon cancer screening recommend that colonoscopies should begin at age 45.

Testing for GIST

There are several GI cancer tests that are used to determine whether a patient has GIST as opposed to another form of GI tract cancer. Your cancer care team at Winship may use one or more of the following tests and procedures:

  • Medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will discuss your medical history with you, including any risk factors. They will also perform a physical exam to check for any abdominal swelling or lumps.
  • Blood tests. An abnormal liver function test could indicate GIST has spread to the liver. A low red blood cell count might also point toward anemia, which is a common symptom of GIST.
  • Imaging tests. Advanced imaging tests use X-rays, sound waves and magnetic fields to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures can detect abnormalities like a GIST. They are also helpful in understanding whether cancerous cells have spread to other areas in the body.
  • Biopsy. A small sample of the abnormal growth is removed so that it can be analyzed and tested for cancerous cells.