Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are characterized by soft-tissue sarcomas that can form and localize in any part of your digestive system. They’re most commonly found in sites of stomach and the small intestine.
Read on to learn 5 diagnostic tests used to identify the size, location, and metastasis of GISTs.
Diagnosis
o You may consult with the best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon who will carry out a careful examination to check for any unusual growth in your abdomen.
o This is done once your doctor becomes aware of your symptoms and medical history.
o If the signs and symptoms are indicative of a GIST, additional tests to trace its location and determine the likelihood of its spread or metastasis to other organs will ensue.
o These supplementary tests may include one or more of the following.
To perform this test you’ll be made to swallow a liquid that increases the visibility of your stomach and small intestine on the X-rays.
Alternatively, the contrast dye may be filled in through an intravenous injection.
The scanner keeps on capturing numerous X-ray images as it glides over your abdomen.
All the X-ray images are consolidated to form in-depth, cross-sectional depictions of all the organs in your abdomen including the position and size of the tumor.
Upper endoscopy
In the midst of this test, your consulting gastroenterologist in Gurgaon will examine the inner wall of the esophagus, stomach, and the primary part of your small intestine with the help of an endoscope, a pliable, light-fitted tube as it passes down through your mouth.
In the course of an upper endoscopy, it’s possible to take minor samples of the tissue of the tumor.
Also, for the duration of the test you’ll be sedated by injecting a mild, relaxing medication via an intravenous channel.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
This test involves the use of an endoscope fitted with an ultrasound probe situated on the tip of the scope.
The probe emits sound waves that create echoes and bounce back to the probe.
The echoes are interpreted as images of structures in the abdomen on a computer thereby projecting the exact location of the tumor.
According to a liver specialist doctor in Gurgaon, with this test, it’s feasible to verify if there’s a metastasis of the tumor to your liver and abdominal wall.
By means of endoscopic ultrasound, it’s also feasible to assess the depth to which the tumor has spread into the lining of your stomach or different locations in your gastrointestinal tract.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
To put a definitive diagnosis of GIST into effect a tiny tissue sample of the tumor is necessary.
To take the biopsy sample, the method of endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration is preferred.
This procedure is similar to EUS but with a hollow, thin needle fitted on the tip of the endoscope.
With the help of this needle small amount of tissue is removed for laboratory analysis at one of the best hospitals in Gurgaon.
At times, these tests aren’t either accessible or their results prove inconclusive.
Hence, without surgical intervention it isn’t possible to locate a suspected GIST.
Then, once the tumor is removed, a tissue analysis is carried out.
Laboratory tests on biopsies
These are unique tests that provide in-depth information on the proteins which the cells of the tumor produce.
Immunohistochemistry – a specific test helps detect certain proteins regulated by the genes of GIST cells.
The treatment decisions are worked out by a medical oncologist from a top hospital in Gurgaon based on the identification of these proteins.
Occasionally, real genetic testing of the biopsy samples may be essential to find traces of GIST genes in the tumor DNA.
Moreover, a thorough examination of the GIST cells under a microscope is done to gauge the number of cells that are actively dividing.
This indicator is referred to as the mitotic rate.
When the mitotic rate in a tumor is higher, the level of its aggression is more.
Besides, more is the likelihood of the tumor to spread to other organs.
At Paras, the best hospital in Gurgaon, a multidisciplinary team comprising of doctors from the fields of gastroenterology, general and plastic surgery, orthopedics, medical and radiation oncology works jointly to treat and cure people suffering from soft tissue sarcoma.
