Gastric Cancer/ Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

Gastric cancer is the commonest type of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It ranks 6th in cancer incidence and the incidence significantly increases following age 50 years in males and 70 years in females. Patients usually present with indigestion, appetite loss, early fullness, and sometimes passage of loose black colored stool. Patients with long standing history of acid reflux disease are also at risk. Patients with “red flag” symptoms should seek immediate surgical consultation and receive upper endoscopy.