Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).
Common symptoms of GIST:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: This pain may be persistent or intermittent and can vary in intensity.
- Feeling of fullness or bloating: Patients may experience a sensation of fullness even after eating small amounts of food.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur as a result of the tumor pressing on the stomach or intestines.
- Blood in stool or vomit: GISTs can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, which may manifest as blood in the stool or vomit.
- Fatigue: Some patients may experience fatigue or weakness, especially if the tumor is large or causing internal bleeding.
- Unexplained weight loss: Rapid or unintentional weight loss can occur in some cases of GIST.
- Difficulty swallowing: If the tumor is located in the oesophagus or near the stomach, it may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Palpable mass: In some cases, a healthcare provider may be able to feel a lump or mass in the abdomen during a physical examination.
It’s important to note that not everyone with GIST will experience all of these symptoms, and some patients may not have any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease. If someone is experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, they should seek medical evaluation and follow-up.
