A granuloma is a small cluster of immune cells that forms when your body tries to wall off an infection or irritant in the gut. It's an inflammatory reaction, not a tumor, and often shows up on imaging or during an intestinal biopsy.
Many people don't notice a granuloma until it causes problems. Signs to watch for include:
Granulomas form when the immune system responds to certain triggers in the intestine:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori and related stomach conditions. Our Jersey Village team offers same-week visits, in-office breath testing, convenient stool testing, tailored antibiotic regimens, and natural support strategies to help you achieve lasting relief. Don't wait-book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.6K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A small granuloma is a tiny cluster of immune cells that forms in response to infection, inflammation, or an irritant. It's not cancerous but represents your body's attempt to isolate and control the offending agent.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans, and, most definitively, an endoscopic biopsy. The biopsy allows a pathologist to examine tissue samples under a microscope for granulomatous inflammation.
Common symptoms include abdominal cramps, persistent diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, low-grade fever, and occasionally blood in the stool. Treatment depends on the cause and may include anti-inflammatory medications (like steroids), antibiotics for infections, immune-modulating therapies for conditions such as Crohn's disease, dietary adjustments, and in some cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention.
Mild cases often improve within a few weeks of starting appropriate therapy. However, if the granuloma is associated with a chronic condition like Crohn's disease, full symptom control and healing can take several months and may require ongoing management.
No. A granuloma is an organized collection of immune cells formed to fight infection or inflammation. A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that can be benign or malignant (cancerous), and it involves different pathology and treatment approaches.
Granulomas are often seen in Crohn's disease but are not exclusive to it. Many Crohn's patients have granulomas, yet some do not, and granulomas can also occur with infections (e.g., tuberculosis), sarcoidosis, or other inflammatory conditions.
A granuloma biopsy primarily shows inflammation, not cancer. If cancer cells are suspected, additional tissue sampling or special stains may be used to rule out malignancy definitively.
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent belly pain, chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats, or blood in your stool. Early evaluation helps identify the cause and start treatment sooner.
A gastroenterologist with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases and endoscopic procedures-such as the specialists at GastroDoxs in Jersey Village-is best equipped to diagnose and manage intestinal granulomas.
At GastroDoxs, we offer comprehensive care including advanced testing (blood work, imaging, endoscopic biopsy), tailored treatment plans (medications, nutrition support, procedures), and ongoing follow-up to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and support your long-term digestive health.
