Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

GISTs are cancerous tumors that develop in the walls of your gastrointestinal tract in your digestive system. They’re a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Some gastrointestinal stromal tumors are small, about the size of a pencil eraser, and you might not notice them. But they can also grow large enough to cause symptoms and medical issues. Healthcare providers treat GISTs with surgery to remove the tumors.

How common are gastrointestinal stromal tumors?

They’re rare. Experts estimate that every year, between 4,000 and 6,000 people in the U.S. receive a GIST diagnosis.