Is a Blood Test the Key to Early Detection of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors?

A blood test has been developed to detect GIST tumors early, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgery to remove cancer. What does this mean for patients with GISTs? Read on to find out!

GISTs develop from mesenchymal stem cells, usually present in our bodies. They have an inherent capacity to become several different cell types and can develop into bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle. In rare cases, they may also form tumors.

It’s estimated that GISTs occur in around one in every 100,000 people worldwide, with one-third occurring in adults under 50 years old. The most common sign is painless swelling and enlargement of part of your body (e.g., your stomach), but GISTs can grow almost anywhere on your body, including on your heart.

What Causes GISTs?

Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, there are still many types that remain difficult to detect and diagnose early. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are one such type because there aren’t many reliable tests for detecting and monitoring them. One potential solution might lie in Chughtai lab reports.

But it’s essential to recognize how patients or physicians could misuse them. Read on for more information about GISTs, their treatment options, and whether it’s safe for consumers to share Chughtai reports with healthcare providers.

Symptoms and diagnosis

While some symptoms are more familiar with gastrointestinal stromal tumors than others, such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling or pain in other areas like the back, bones, or joints, it is essential to note that they can sometimes be very vague. A gastrointestinal stromal tumor may not cause symptoms until it grows vast and begins pressing on adjacent organs.

Additionally, people experiencing gastric ulcers may mistake them for signs of GISTs. If you have questions about your symptoms or concerns about an undiagnosed cancer problem, talk with your doctor about ordering an online lab test. Online lab tests can provide peace of mind for you and your doctor by diagnosing severe conditions quickly so treatment can begin without delay if necessary.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Treatment generally begins with surgical removal, as that is often curative. The problem is that these tumors are aggressive and have an unpredictable growth pattern meaning they tend to recur or metastasize if they aren’t removed entirely.

In some cases, even after surgery, specific procedures like chemo-radiation therapy might be required. Our online lab test in Pakistan can help you determine if surgery is right for you by informing you about your general health status and risk factors that may affect how aggressive your GIST is likely to be.