Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

Overview

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are tumors of the digestive tract that most often occur in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. GISTs also may be found in the esophagus, large intestine and anus. GISTs occur most often in middle-aged and older adults. GISTs are rare in children. GISTs start in the cells of your digestive tract that send signals that cause digestive organs to contract. These contractions help move food and liquids through your digestive system.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of digestive system cancers, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Specialists in digestive tract diseases (gastroenterologists), cancer (oncologists), surgery, rehabilitation, pathology (pathologists) and other specialties care for people with GISTs.
• Many Mayo Clinic oncologists and surgeons belong to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, a multidisciplinary research group. The National Cancer Institute has designated the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center due, in part, to its depth and breadth of sarcoma research.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

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