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Duodenal Polyp
At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified Dr. Scott provides expert care for duodenal polyps. Using advanced endoscopic techniques, he offers accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plans to monitor, remove, and manage polyps - ensuring long-term digestive health and peace of mind
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Chronic inflammation of the duodenum (from H. pylori or autoimmune gastritis)
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors
Age over 50 years (sporadic adenomatous polyps)
Previous gastric surgery or duodenal injury
Cowden syndrome and other hamartomatous polyp disorders
Signs and Symptoms
Often no symptoms (found incidentally on endoscopy)
Epigastric discomfort or pain
Nausea, vomiting, or early satiety if large enough to cause obstruction
Gastrointestinal bleeding leading to melena or iron-deficiency anemia
Bloating or fullness after meals
Weight loss in the setting of chronic bleeding or obstruction
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your pain history-onset, location, and triggers-plus any prior GI issues or family history of polyps. A focused abdominal and epigastric exam checks for tenderness or masses.
Laboratory Tests
Blood work includes a CBC to rule out anemia, tests for H. pylori infection, and basic metabolic panel to exclude other causes of epigastric discomfort.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Upper endoscopy (EGD) allows direct visualization of the duodenum to spot polyps or mucosal abnormalities.
Enhanced modalities like narrow‐band imaging or chromoendoscopy improve detection and characterization of small lesions.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound can exclude gallbladder disease or pancreatic inflammation as pain sources.
CT scan or MR enterography provides detailed views of the small bowel and surrounding structures, helping to identify larger or submucosal polyps.
Biopsy and Histology
Any suspicious lesion is sampled during endoscopy. Histologic analysis confirms the polyp type (e.g., adenomatous vs. hyperplastic) and guides removal strategy and surveillance intervals.
Treatment
Our Team Offers a Full Range of Care for Duodenal Polyps
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Customized meal plans low in fat and irritants that may aggravate duodenal tissue
Increased intake of fiber-rich foods, unless contraindicated
Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation to reduce mucosal stress
Stress-reduction practices to support overall gut health
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid and promote healing
H. pylori eradication therapy if infection is present
Iron supplements for patients with bleeding-related anemia
Regular follow-up medications to prevent recurrence in high-risk cases
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to visualize and biopsy duodenal polyps
Endoscopic polypectomy to safely remove polyps without surgery
Histopathological evaluation to determine polyp type and risk
Scheduled surveillance to monitor recurrence or progression
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a duodenal polyp?
A duodenal polyp is a growth that forms in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. While many are benign, some may carry a risk of turning cancerous over time.
What is the ICD-10 code for duodenal polyp?
The ICD-10 code for a duodenal polyp is K63.5, which refers to polyps of the colon and small intestine, including the duodenum.
Do duodenal polyps cause symptoms?
Most small polyps are asymptomatic. Larger polyps may cause bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, or blockages depending on size and location.
How are duodenal polyps diagnosed?
They are usually found during an upper endoscopy. Dr. Scott may take a biopsy or remove the polyp entirely for analysis.
Do all duodenal polyps need removal?
Not always. Some benign polyps are monitored. However, if there's a risk of cancer or symptoms are present, removal is often recommended.
Is polyp removal painful?
No. Removal is done during endoscopy under sedation, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and quick recovery.
Can polyps come back after removal?
Yes, polyps can recur. Dr. Scott will recommend periodic follow-up based on your risk profile and biopsy results.
