Does a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) smaller than 2 cm require treatment?
May 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Here, "gastrointestinal stromal tumor" generally refers to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). GISTs smaller than 2 cm usually require treatment; otherwise, they may cause intra-abdominal hemorrhage, severe weight loss, metastasis, and significantly affect health. These tumors can be removed through laparoscopic surgery. To prevent recurrence, targeted therapies such as imatinib mesylate capsules may be used postoperatively under a doctor's guidance.
Here, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) generally refers to tumors originating in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs smaller than 2 cm usually require treatment. Details are as follows:
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors arise from the mesenchymal tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Even when small and not exceeding 2 cm in size, these tumors can cause significant clinical symptoms after onset. Patients may experience upper abdominal discomfort, hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black tarry stools), and some may even feel an abdominal mass upon palpation. If not promptly treated after diagnosis, complications such as intra-abdominal hemorrhage, severe weight loss, and metastasis may be triggered, seriously affecting health. Therefore, timely treatment is essential once diagnosed. Tumors can be surgically removed via laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery. To prevent recurrence, targeted drugs such as imatinib mesylate capsules, regorafenib tablets, or sunitinib malate capsules may be prescribed by a physician for postoperative therapy.
During treatment, regular follow-up abdominal and pelvic CT scans are necessary to assess recovery progress and help physicians adjust subsequent treatment plans accordingly.
