GIST Support International - Glossary of Terms
| Definition |
| sarcoma | A malignant tumor arising in the connective, or supportive, tissue (such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, bone, cartilage). GIST is one type of sarcoma. Sarcomas comprise about 1% of cancers in adults, while the other 99% are carcinomas that affect epithelial tissues (skin and body cavity linings). |
| Schwannoma | A tumor that arises from the Schwann cells, the cells that form the myelin sheath around the peripheral nerve fibers. |
| serosal | of, or relating to, serosa. Serosa is basically a single layer of thin cells resting on connective tissues and secreting a serous (thin, watery) fluid. This type of membrane (cells) line body cavities, or enclose organs contained in these cavities. For example, the mesentery and peritoneum that support the gastrointestinal tract are serosal membranes. |
| small intestine | The longest part of the digestive tract, extending between the stomach and the large intestine. The small intestine is divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. It is the site where most of the digestion and food absorption occurs. |
| sporadic | Occurring occasionally in a random, or isolated, manner. With respect to GIST, most cases of GIST are sporadic, with no familial component or known environmental carcinogens contributing to the cause. |
| stoma | An artificial opening, especially in the abdominal wall, made in surgical procedures. |
| stromal | Relating to connective tissue serving a supporting function for organs or other structures. |
| syncope | Fainting: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain. |
