Gastrointestinal neoplasms

Gastrointestinal neoplasm is a type of neoplasm or tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Gastrointestinal neoplasms can be benign or malignant, with the latter being referred to as gastrointestinal cancer.

Types of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms

There are several types of gastrointestinal neoplasms, each named for the type of cells in which they originate. These include:

• Adenoma: This is a benign tumor that originates in the glandular cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Adenomas can sometimes become malignant, turning into adenocarcinomas.

• Carcinoma: This is a malignant tumor that originates in the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. The most common types of gastrointestinal carcinomas are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine carcinoma.

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): This is a rare type of tumor that originates in the interstitial cells of Cajal, which are part of the autonomic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs can be benign or malignant.

• Lymphoma: This is a malignant tumor that originates in the lymphatic cells of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common type of gastrointestinal lymphoma is non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gastrointestinal neoplasms can vary widely depending on the type and location of the tumor. Common symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, weight loss, and anemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy. Biopsy of the tumor is often required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of neoplasm.

Treatment

Treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasms depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

See Also

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Neoplasm
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor