In medical oncology, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract (1-3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies).
GIST is a form of connective tissue cancer, or sarcoma. GISTs are therefore non-epithelial tumors, separate from more common forms of bowel cancer. 70% occur in the stomach, 20% in the small intestine and less than 10% in the esophagus. Small tumors are generally benign, especially when cell division rate is slow, but large tumors disseminate to the liver, omentum and peritoneal cavity. They rarely occur in other abdominal organs.
More on [ Gastrointestinal stromal tumor ]

American Cancer Society: What Are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors? - Provides a description of benign and malignant GIST, differences between tumor types, early detection, staging, diagnosis, treatment, and resources.
Cancer Research UK: GIST - Brief description of the rare type of sarcoma called gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
Meta Description: [ What are gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and are they curable?We have answered your question about GIST under these headings - you can click on them to go straight to each sectionWhat GIST isThe symptoms of GISTTreatment of GIST, including GlivecSide effects of GlivecIs GIST curable?More ... ]
GIST Support International - Advocates and supports cancer patients dealing with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. Provides information, clinical trials, news, and links.
Meta Description: [ GIST Support International (GSI) is dedicated to outreach, eductation and support of GIST patients, their familites and friends. ]
Royal College of Surgeons: Malignant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour - Rare neoplasms located in the small intestine or stomach. They are considered soft tissue sarcoma, but are not always malignant. Article examines the case of a patient with the disease.
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