Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

When cells that make up the walls of your GI tract begin to grow abnormally gastrointestinal stromal tumors may form. What makes these tumors unique from just a general tumor is that these grow within what is known as the cells of Cajal that work with the nervous system in order to signal that it is in fact time to begin digestion. GIST can occur anywhere along the GI tract (mouth to anus) but it is most commonly found within the stomach and small intestine.