Signs of Precancerous Colon Conditions
Adenomatous polyps are a precancerous condition. They are not cancerous by themselves and are often largely harmless. Their presence, however, indicates abnormal changes to colon
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Treated Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
No two cancers are alike. When designing a cancer care plan, understanding the type of cancer is key. Different types of cancer respond differently to different treatments. Many patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumors seek care from Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) for treatment. RCCA is a group of more than 90 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. They strive to educate patients while providing innovative care.
What Is a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)?
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor, also called a gastric stromal tumor or GIST, forms in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). These specialized cells are found in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they act as pacemakers. They signal muscles in the GI tract to contract to move food along. GISTS can form anywhere in the GI tract, including the colon, but they are more common in the stomach and small intestine. Though rare, some types are known to spread aggressively.
Cancer occurs when cells start to grow out of control. All cells in the body need to reproduce to replace cells that die. When cells become cancerous, however, they reproduce much more quickly than normal cells. This results in an abnormal tissue mass, called a tumor, that continuously grows. The cancer invades nearby tissues and may even infect other parts of the body.
Stages of Gastric Stromal Tumors
The staging system used for most GISTs is the TNM system. Developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, this system is based on the tumor size, its spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs, and its mitotic rate, or how quickly cells divide. The stages for GISTs of the colon are as follows:
- Stage I: The tumor is less than 5 centimeters, and the mitotic rate is low. Cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
- Stage II: The tumor is between 5 and 10 centimeters, and the mitotic rate is low. Cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
- Stage III: The tumor is less than 5 centimeters, and the mitotic rate is high; or the tumor is larger than 10 centimeters across, and the mitotic rate is low or high. Cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
- Stage IV: The tumor is any size, and the mitotic rate is low or high. Cancer has spread (metastasized) to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
The individual’s outlook for GISTS depends on whether the tumor is resectable, meaning it can be removed with surgery. This depends on the tumor stage and the patient’s overall health. The prognosis is much better if the tumor is resectable. If it is not, then doctors must rely on other treatments to control the cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Gastric Stromal Tumors
The first symptom of a gastric stromal tumor is often gastrointestinal bleeding. GISTs are fragile tumors that tear easily as food passes by them. When they tear, they cause bleeding into the GI tract. Stools may look black or tarry, or the patient may notice bleeding from their rectum. Patients may also feel tired or weak due to blood loss. Other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Thin or pencil-shaped stools
- Frequent bowel movements
- Still feeling full after a bowel movement
- Abdominal cramps, bloating, or gas
- Anemia (iron deficiency)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
Gastrointestinal bleeding and other digestive concerns can be serious. While symptoms like these can be caused by conditions that are not cancer, if a patient is experiencing these symptoms for more than a few days, they should see a doctor, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period. Prompt evaluation will enable a doctor to address your concerns and to provide a treatment plan for whatever condition may be responsible for the symptoms.
How Are Gastric Stromal Tumors Diagnosed?
GISTs are often detected because the patient is experiencing symptoms. Though the symptoms indicate that something is wrong with the colon, they are not enough for doctors to be sure of the cause. Further tests are needed to confirm that symptoms are caused by a tumor and that the tumor is a GIST. Diagnostic tests used for GISTs include:
- CT colonography: An advanced X-ray machine takes detailed cross-sectional images of the body. These “slices” can be reassembled to create a 3D image of the colon, which the radiologist examines for signs of a GIST.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscope, or a tiny camera mounted on a long, flexible tube, is inserted into the anus. The colonoscope is guided along the colon’s length to search for abnormalities in its lining, including polyps or a GIST.
- Biopsy: If an abnormality is found during a colonoscopy, the doctor will use specialized cutters to remove a small piece of tissue. The sample is examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells and determine what type of cancer they are.
- Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) tells doctors whether the patient is anemic or has a low red blood cell count. Anemia is a common complication of a GIST due to heavy bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract.
Some GISTS are found incidentally when medical imaging is performed for other unrelated conditions. If tumors are discovered in this way, the same diagnostic process is performed to confirm the type.
Treatments for Gastric Stromal Tumors
As with other cancers, treatments for GISTs are highly personalized. The patient’s care team will discuss their options with them to determine the best path forward. Treatment options may include:
Surgery
Surgery is the preferred treatment for GISTs whenever possible. The goal of surgery is to completely remove or resect the tumor. If a complete resection is not possible, then surgeons may attempt a partial resection where only part of the tumor is removed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat symptoms of a metastatic or recurring GIST. It targets cancer cells with high-energy rays that kill the cells or impede their ability to reproduce. This can reduce cancer that has settled into the bones to help manage bone pain.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that attack cells with certain characteristics unique to cancer. They are often used to shrink a GIST before surgery to make a complete resection possible. They may also be used to control cancer that has spread too far to be treated with surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are very toxic to fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. They are sometimes used to control advanced GISTs after targeted therapies stop working. Chemotherapy has a limited effect on GISTs, which can grow more slowly than other cancers.
Find Colon Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Patients struggling with colon cancer can find state-of-the-art treatment near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Regional Cancer Care Associates educates patients to help them avoid life-threatening cancer. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Cancer and Stomach Cancer
Can colon cancer be asymptomatic?
Colon cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Symptoms only develop as the cancer grows large enough to impede organ function.
What causes colon cancer?
Colon cancer is caused by a DNA change in the cells of the colon. The reason for this change is not always clear, but oncologists have identified risk factors including a person’s age, their diet and physical activity, their health history, and genetic predispositions.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Colon cancer cannot always be prevented, especially in patients who are genetically predisposed toward cancer. However, patients can reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, reducing their alcohol usage, and avoiding smoking.
How common is stomach cancer?
Sometimes called gastric cancer, stomach cancer is uncommon in the United States, representing less than 2% of all cancer diagnoses here.
What are risk factors for stomach cancer?
The risk of stomach cancer is elevated if a person has a family or personal history of cancer, especially mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma or other stomach cancer types. Previous stomach surgery and the following pre-existing conditions also can increase risk:
- Common variable immune deficiency (CVID)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection
- Long-term gastritis (inflammation)
- Menetrier disease (hypertrophic gastropathy)
- Pernicious anemia
- Stomach ulcers and polyps
Receive the Highest Standard of Care
From the moment you have you first appointment at one of RCCA’s 25+ locations, you’ll experience quality care that only our highly trained oncologists can provide. We’ll take the time to help you understand your diagnosis and your options, so you and your doctor can devise the best treatment plan for your unique situation. You’ll also have access to clinical trials, putting you at the forefront of innovations in the field of colon cancer care.
To learn more about colon cancer treatment at RCCA or to schedule an appointment, reach out to us at 844-346-7222.
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