Causes of Benign Stomach Tumors: Its Symptoms and Treatment

Our fast life, changing lifestyle and fad diets all have contributed greatly to the increasing stomach ailments. Benign stomach tumors, too are on the rise and affecting a large number of people across the globe. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of benign stomach tumors.

Benign stomach tumors are a condition in which there is an abnormal growth in the stomach. Various factors like our daily diet, excessive dependence on drugs and medicines and an inapt lifestyle often affect our digestive system to a great extent. Problems of the digestive system are on the rise, which commonly include indigestion, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, stomach ulcers and benign stomach tumors.

Benign stomach tumors may not be considered as common because statistically maximum 10 % of people may get affected with it. Generally these tumors or lesions are mild but they may turn into malignant or cancerous ones. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is necessary to manage the condition.

Let us understand the causes of benign stomach tumors, its symptoms and treatment.

Benign tumors are non-cancerous tumors which are caused by abnormal cell growth in the stomach. It is not always necessary to treat benign tumors, unless they pose a threat of becoming cancerous or have severe symptoms.

While it is not known that why these tumors are caused, there are some causes of benign stomach tumors, which must be considered. Benign stomach tumors are often triggered by irritation and swelling of the stomach lining but there are many other causes too. When the stomach lining gets inflamed, causing gastritis it can damage the cells present over there. When this occurs repeatedly, it increases the risk of abnormal cell growth, which is a common cause of benign stomach tumors.

Benign stomach tumors are caused by inflammation of the gastric lining, and the causes for it include

• Exposure to radiation
• H. Pylori infection
• Heavy intake of proton pump inhibitors
• Stomach polyps which can be categorized as genetic cause

People suffering from repeated episodes of gastritis, those with gastric ulcers, acid reflux disease and other abnormalities of the digestive system are at an increased risk of cell damage. These conditions too can be one of the causes of benign stomach tumors.

Benign stomach tumors may present with certain signs and symptoms. You need to check out for the symptoms of benign stomach tumors which can be very clear to begin with. These include

• Epigastric pain
• Frequent nausea and uneasiness related to food
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Bloated stomach after taking meals
• Trouble in digestion
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in stools
• Anemia due to blood loss
• Gastric outlet obstruction.

Some people may feel heaviness in the abdomen, a lump in the stomach or may experience sudden increase in their weight, if the tumor is grown large. These benign stomach tumor symptoms are quite common during the initial phase. As the stage advances, the symptoms of benign stomach tumors may become more severe. Severe stomach pain on eating food, burning sensation and vomiting with blood may be noted. In such cases, it is necessary to seek immediate medical help and get the right treatment.

Timely diagnosis of benign stomach tumors is important to prevent complications. With latest technology, early diagnosis is possible if the symptoms of benign stomach tumors are noted and timely medical help is sought.

While benign stomach tumors are rare, they can cause concern if they turn cancerous, hence timely treatment is essential. Medications may be given to control the symptoms of benign stomach tumors, like controlling nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and acid reflux. Antibiotic treatment may be considered if H. Pylori infection is the cause of benign stomach tumors.

Surgical removal of benign stomach tumors has been an effective traditional treatment option. With the latest technology, treatment of benign stomach tumors is possible without much difficulty.

Some of the newer techniques for treatment of benign stomach tumors include endoscopy. In endoscopy, the affected area can be viewed with the scope, a sample for biopsy or further tests can be obtained and necessary treatment can be applied. Also, laser phototherapy, in which a directed beam of light on the tumor is used as an effective treatment of benign stomach tumors. This technique offer great results and faster recovery.

Treatment of benign stomach tumor is very effective with the help of these treatments. But even after the tumor has been removed, proper care and diet advice must be followed to prevent the recurrence of tumors. Dietary changes and lifestyle modifications can help to a great extent in recovering from benign stomach tumors. It is necessary to follow medical advice and maintain a healthy gut.

Follow a healthy diet with fibrous foods, fruits and vegetables for natural roughage and drink plenty of water. Avoid foods and substances that trigger gastric complaints, refrain from alcohol and other stimulants, unnecessary medications and supplements.