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Adenoma
Struggling with adenomas? At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in early detection and personalized treatment of benign glandular tumors. From colonoscopies to hormone evaluations and minimally invasive procedures, her expert team provides compassionate care for peace of mind.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 50 or a family history of adenomas
Chronic inflammation in the colon (eg, ulcerative colitis)
Hormonal imbalances affecting the pituitary or adrenal glands
High-fat diet, smoking, and obesity
Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis
Long-term use of certain medications (eg, steroids)
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages; detected on routine exams
Blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits
Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
Headaches, vision disturbances, or mood swings (pituitary)
High blood pressure, weight gain, or fatigue (adrenal)
Unintended weight loss or persistent weakness
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Adenoma-Related?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—epigastric pain, changes in appetite or bowel habits, weight shifts—and checks for family history of adenomas.
Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
He performs an upper endoscopy to examine the stomach lining or a colonoscopy to identify and biopsy any polyps or adenomas in the GI tract.
Imaging Studies
CT scan or MRI of the abdomen to spot adrenal or pancreatic adenomas contributing to pain.
Head MRI for suspected pituitary adenomas if hormone‐related symptoms arise.
Laboratory and Hormone Tests
Blood work checks hormone levels (cortisol, ACTH), liver and pancreatic enzymes, and rules out ulcerative colitis or other inflammatory causes.
ICD-10 Coding
He documents findings using codes like D35.2 for pituitary adenoma or relevant GI adenoma codes in your medical record.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for adenomas.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Eat more fiber - fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Reduce red meat and processed foods
Daily physical activity - walking or light workouts
Stress management - yoga, deep breathing, or relaxing walks
2. Medications
Hormone blockers for hormone-producing adenomas
Acid blockers if the tumor affects stomach acid
Blood pressure medications for adrenal adenomas
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Polypectomy for colon polyp removal during colonoscopy
Transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor removal through the nose
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor removal via small incisions
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an adenoma and a carcinoma?
An adenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor arising from gland tissue, while a carcinoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor. Removing adenomas early helps prevent them from turning into cancer.
How is an adenoma found?
Adenomas are typically detected through imaging studies (CT, MRI), lab hormone tests, or during routine colonoscopies when polyps are identified and removed.
What is ICD-10 D35.2?
ICD-10 D35.2 is the diagnostic code used in medical records to classify pituitary adenomas.
Can food and exercise help?
Yes. A high-fiber diet, reduced red meat and processed foods, regular physical activity, and stress management can lower your risk and support recovery.
What's recovery like after surgery?
Most patients go home the same day after procedures like polypectomy or laparoscopic adrenalectomy and feel back to normal within one to two weeks.
Are adenomas cancer?
No, adenomas are benign tumors. However, if left untreated, some adenomas can develop into carcinoma over time.
What happens at my first visit?
Dr. Nguyen will review your health history, perform a focused exam, recommend appropriate tests or screenings, and outline a personalized care plan.