Understanding My Esophageal Polyp Diagnosis
As a 34-year-old man, I recently learned I have a polyp in my esophagus, which was identified four months ago. The physician opted not to perform a biopsy, leaving me uncertain about whether it is benign or cancerous. Currently, I am not experiencing any symptoms, which suggests that if cancer is present, it is likely still in the initial stages. I'm curious about the prospects of treatment if detected early on. However, with four months elapsed, I find myself worried about the possibility of the polyp increasing in size. What are the odds that it is benign?
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 9:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after receiving a diagnosis like an esophageal polyp, especially without knowing whether it is benign or potentially cancerous. Polyp diagnosis often brings uncertainty, but many esophageal polyps are benign.
Explanation
Esophageal polyps can arise from various conditions but are often non-cancerous. Factors influencing whether a polyp is benign include its size, appearance during imaging studies, and any related risk factors you might have (like family history or certain medical conditions). Generally, smaller polyps are more likely to be benign.
The passage of time without symptoms is positive, as it suggests that if a malignant condition were present, it is likely in early stages or simply not developing aggressively. However, it is still essential to monitor its status.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any new symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest, persistent heartburn, or unintended weight loss. These could be signs that monitoring is needed.
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Regular Follow-Up: Consider scheduling follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss repeat imaging or endoscopy to reassess the polyp. Discuss your worries and consider if a biopsy would help clarify the situation, as this could provide peace of mind.
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Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet (high in fruits and vegetables), stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption—these factors can positively affect esophageal health.
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Educate Yourself: Research more about esophageal polyps and their management. Understanding your condition can help reduce anxiety and empower you in discussions with your physician.
If you continue to feel concerned or notice any changes, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your feelings. Your health and comfort are paramount, and you deserve clarity regarding your condition.
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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.