Stomach and intestinal polyps can evolve into cancer, yet many people feel perfectly fine and notice no symptoms. Because of this, regular medical checkups are essential, even when there are no complaints. Caroline Nilus, an endoscopist at ABIA clinic, emphasizes the value of periodic evaluation for digestive health.
Polyps are small protrusions on the mucous membrane. They are most often discovered during procedures such as gastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy. Some polyps require urgent removal because of cancer risk, while others may be monitored rather than treated. In many cases, polyps in the stomach and intestines do not present any symptoms and are found incidentally during tests performed for unrelated reasons. Intestinal polyps can occasionally shed small amounts of blood or mucus into the stool, which may be the only clue to their presence.
In general, polyps do not cause acute pain unless complications arise. For instance, when a polyp grows large enough to obstruct the intestinal lumen, symptoms like painful nausea, vomiting, a sense of fullness, and rapid fullness after meals may occur. This situation is more likely when a polyp sits near the stomach exit, interfering with the passage of food into the intestines.
Because symptoms can be absent or nonspecific, routine medical visits and proper screening are important. Even without pain or obvious digestion issues, regular examinations can detect polyps early and guide appropriate management. When there are no contraindications, endoscopic examinations can be performed under sedated sleep to reduce discomfort and make the experience easier for patients.
A note on common home remedies: relying on baking soda to treat heartburn may carry risks and should not be seen as a cancer-prevention measure. Medical guidance remains the standard approach for persistent symptoms or concerns about digestive health.