A type of fatal tumor disease is GIST. It is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. It is a cancer of cells which form structure of stomach and intestine. It can arise in stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum and esophagus. And, some time it develops outside the intestinal tract in abdominal cavity. It is highly dangerous disease but generally it does not cause any pain. It remains undetected until patient feel swelling in organs and discomfort and raptures causing blood loss and anemia. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor belongs to a class of group of cancers called sarcomas. Sarcomas is a cancer that being in connective tissues that include fat, blood vessels, muscle, deep skin tissues, nerves, bones and cartilage. Due to abnormality in DNA connective tissue cells may grow in unmanageable manner. This specific change in DNA causes a cellular enzyme to be switched on all the time. This cellular enzyme is called Kit or Tyrosine Kinase. It is responsible for sending growth and survival signals inside the cell. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor is of different types. It is categorized as adult Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, familial Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, pediatric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors associated with NF1 (neurofibromatosis).

In initial stage, GIST has no physical symptoms. This is an advantage because by the time patient complaints about discomfort and doctor start treating, tumor becomes rather large. And, in later stage, common symptoms patients suffer vague abdominal pain, vomiting, and early feeling of fullness, abdominal bleeding and fatigue due to anemia. If people are suffering from such problems, they must speak and consult with doctors without any fail and without any delay. These specific symptoms may indicate some other diseases as well. But, people should undergo tests to diagnose GIST tumor as early as possible. Also, they should undergo other tests including inspection of organs, abdominal exploration, ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. To check location and size of tumor these tests are important to perform. These tests also detects if cancer is spread outside gastrointestinal system. To cure tumor surgery is the procedure. It is important for patients and their family members to understand and learn about this disease and way to treat it. There are groups and organizations working for GIST patients. They help patients to ensure their survival while maintaining the quality of their lives. Some of the major programs are conducted by such groups/organizations including research and treatment surveillance, information and support, patient outreach and assistance and advocacy. They provide emotional support and all necessary information to patients and their families.