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Gastric Polyps
Discover what you need to know about gastric polyps, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options at GastroDoxs in Houston. Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides expert care, advanced procedures, and plans to keep you healthy. Schedule your appointment today.
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.
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Gastric Polyps and Epigastric Pain
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your epigastric pain—onset, timing, triggers—and asks about risk factors such as NSAID or PPI use, H. pylori exposure, family history of GI polyps or cancers, smoking, and alcohol intake.
Laboratory Tests
CBC to check for anemia from occult bleeding
H. pylori testing (urea breath test, stool antigen, or serology)
Basic metabolic panel and liver enzymes to rule out other causes of abdominal pain
Upper Endoscopy
An endoscope is passed into the stomach to directly visualize the mucosa, identify any polyps or inflammation, and obtain targeted biopsies for histologic analysis.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate adjacent organs (liver, gallbladder)
CT scan or barium swallow in complex cases to assess structural abnormalities
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may be employed to characterize submucosal lesions or guide fine-needle aspiration of suspicious areas.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gastric polyps.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat small meals more often to reduce stomach irritation
Avoid spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Stay hydrated with water or soothing herbal teas
2. Medicines
Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection when present
Adjust or discontinue long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) if needed
Alternative acid-blocking medications to relieve symptoms
3. Endoscopy Treatments
Polypectomy: removal of small polyps via endoscopic snare
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for larger or sessile polyps
Follow-up endoscopies to monitor for recurrence or new growths
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 are gastric polyps? Should I worry?
Gastric polyps are small growths on the stomach lining. Most are benign, but some types can become cancerous over time. Dr. Nguyen will evaluate your risk and recommend monitoring or removal when needed.
How do doctors find gastric polyps?
Doctors use an upper endoscopy to look inside the stomach. If polyps are seen, a biopsy may be taken to determine their nature and guide treatment.
Can gastric polyps turn into cancer?
While the majority of gastric polyps are non-cancerous, certain types (like adenomas) carry a higher risk of malignant change. Early detection and treatment help prevent progression.
What treatments are available at GastroDoxs?
Treatment may include lifestyle and diet adjustments, antibiotics for H. pylori, changing acid-blocking medications, or removing polyps via polypectomy or EMR during endoscopy.
How long is recovery after polyp removal?
Most patients recover quickly, often feeling back to normal within 1-2 days. Dr. Nguyen will provide specific post-procedure instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Will I need another scope later?
Follow-up endoscopy may be recommended if polyps were large, multiple, or had higher-risk features. Dr. Nguyen will personalize your surveillance schedule based on findings.
