What is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)?

GIST is an rare form of cancer that occurs in the GI (or digestive) tract. It is called a stromal tumour because the cancer starts in the stroma, or the connective tissue controlling the movements of the gut. GIST begins in the interstitial cells oj Cajal;is thought to be related to the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) special cells found in the walls of the digestive tract that control its regular movements. Although GISTs can occur in almost any part of the digestive system, they most commonly grow in the stomach (50-70%) or small intestine (20-30%), and less commonly in the large and rectum (5-15%) and esophagus (5%).

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