see also:

• stomach cancer

• a rare type of GIT tumour (some are benign, some are malignant) believed to originate in cells found between muscle layers of the gastro-intestinal tract, called Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and generally grow outwards
• 50-60% arise in the stomach
• 30-40% arise in small intestines

• increasing age
• genetic risk factors
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1
  • Carney Triad
    • a rare syndrome defined by the coexistence of three specific tumours and typically affecting young people

• usually asymptomatic
• may cause pain, bloating, fatigue, occult or overt GIT bleeding

• may be picked up on gastroscopy or CT scan
• biopsy to confirm benign vs malignant status

• most are treated with surgical excision
• imatinib is used to treat GIST that cannot be removed by surgery