Adenoma

What is Adenoma?

An adenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that forms in glandular tissue. These growths can develop in various organs-most commonly in the colon (as polyps) or in the pituitary gland in the brain. While adenomas themselves aren't cancer, some types can turn malignant over time if not removed.

Common Symptoms

Early adenomas often cause no symptoms. As they grow, you may notice:

• Abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Blood in the stool
• Headaches or vision changes (with pituitary adenomas)
• Unexplained weight gain, fatigue or mood swings (hormone-related)

Causes

While the exact cause isn't always clear, several factors can raise the risk of developing an adenoma:

• Genetic mutations and family history of polyps or adenomas
• Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract
• Age over 50
• Smoking, heavy alcohol use and a poor diet
• Inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Treatment Options for Adenoma in Houston

Treatment includes endoscopic procedures, surgery, medication, and follow-up care:

• Endoscopic polypectomy: Removal of small tubular and sessile serrated colon adenomas during colonoscopy.
• Advanced endoscopic techniques: EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection) or ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection) for larger or flat lesions.
• Surgical resection: Partial colectomy or segmental bowel resection when adenomas can't be removed safely by endoscopy.
• Medical therapy: Dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs, or hormone-blocking drugs for pituitary adenomas.
• Imaging & lab tests: MRI scans and hormone panels (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone) to monitor pituitary tumor response.
• Surveillance follow-up: Regular colonoscopies or brain imaging every 1-5 years, based on risk, to detect new growths early.