GIANT ABDOMINAL TUMORS

Our patient was a 30-year-old who presented with lump in the abdomen for the past 6 months with significant loss of weight. Hailing from Kullu in Himachal and consults from multiple doctors did not alleviate his symptoms and he consulted us. He was investigated thoroughly and diagnosed with a rare tumor arising from the stomach. On operation, complete tumor removal necessitated a portion of stomach as well as colon to be resected according to oncological guidelines.

He was diagnosed with a Giant GIST of stomach and on a follow up of 2 years is recurrence free.

GIST OF STOMACH WITH COLON INVOLVEMENT

FAQ

What is a GIST?

A GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) is a rare type of growth (tumor) that starts from the supporting tissues of the digestive system.When it develops in the stomach, it is called a gastric GIST.

If the tumor becomes very large (usually more than 10 cm), it is called a giant GIST.

Why does it happen?

• It happens because of a change in certain cells of the stomach

• These cells start growing more than normal

• It is not caused by food habits

• It is not contagious

• Most cases are not inherited

What symptoms can it cause?

A giant GIST may grow slowly, so symptoms appear late. Common symptoms are:

• Pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen

• A feeling of heaviness or swelling in the belly

• Feeling full after eating small amounts

• Vomiting or nausea

• Passing black stools or vomiting blood (due to bleeding)

• Weakness and tiredness (due to anemia)

• Weight loss

Sometimes, it is found accidentally during scans done for other problems.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors may use:

• CT scan or MRI to see the size and spread

• Endoscopy to look inside the stomach

• Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis

• Special tests show the tumor is a GIST

Is giant GIST cancer?

• Some GISTs behave like cancer and some do not

• A giant GIST has a higher chance of being serious

• Early treatment gives better results

How is it treated?

Surgery (Main treatment)

• Complete removal of the tumor by surgery is the best treatment

• Doctors try to remove it without breaking the tumor

• Nearby organs may be removed if the tumor is stuck to them

• Usually, lymph nodes do not need to be removed

Medicines (Targeted therapy)

• A special medicine called Imatinib is used

• It helps to:

  • Shrink the tumor before surgery

  • Reduce the chance of the tumor coming back after surgery

• Treatment may be needed for months or years

What is the outcome?

• GIST of the stomach usually has a better outcome compared to other areas

• With proper surgery and medicines, many patients live long and healthy lives

• Regular follow-up is very important

Follow-up care

Patients need:

• Regular check-ups

• CT scans every few months

• Long-term monitoring to detect recurrence early

In simple words

• Giant GIST is a large, rare stomach tumor

• Symptoms often appear late

• Surgery and special medicines give good results

• Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are important