Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Diagnosis

There are several tests that may be used in order to determine the best treatment option. These include:  

• Upper GI endoscopy. During this procedure, the patient is sedated and an endoscope is passed down through the mouth to assess the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach and the first pert of the small bowel. Very importantly, the doctor performing the endoscopy is able to take samples of any suspicious lesions for biopsy.
• Computed tomography(CT). A CT scanner takes multiple, detailed, high-resolution cross-sectional images of the body in only a matter of seconds. In this way, it is very sensitive in identifying any suspicious tumor that might be a GIST. Core biopsy under CT guidance is also possible.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound(EUS). It is US that is located on the tip of the endoscope. In this way, the US transducer comes really close to the suspected tumor enabling the operator to assess the lesion accurately and in detail.