Should I be concerned about the endoscopy results not indicating cancer?
Hello everyone, I'm a 30-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing roughly between 12 and 13 stone. I had a cesarean section a bit over a year ago, and I also have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Throughout my life, I have occasionally dealt with heartburn, but about six months ago, the frequency escalated to a daily occurrence, and over-the-counter remedies like Gaviscon were no longer providing relief. After some time, I underwent an endoscopy, which revealed ‘mild non-erosive gastritis’. During the procedure, they conducted a biopsy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which returned negative. Since I had only been off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for five days, they also recommended a stool test after I discontinued my PPI for an additional two weeks. This test also yielded negative results. As a result, I was prescribed a six-week regimen of daily omeprazole. This medication effectively alleviated the heartburn; however, I continue to experience a pain in the lower chest and upper stomach area that intensifies after eating or drinking. I find myself questioning whether omeprazole should have resolved this issue completely. I am scheduled to finish my course of omeprazole in a few days, but my ongoing pain has left me anxious. I am concerned that the endoscopy may not have captured all issues, including the possibility of missed cancer. Are the results of such procedures generally reliable? Would you suggest pursuing a follow-up endoscopy?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 2:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your ongoing symptoms and the reliability of your endoscopy results, especially after experiencing discomfort. Fortunately, the findings you've described suggest that serious conditions like cancer are less likely, but let's break this down for clarity and outline your next steps.
Main Points:
- Your endoscopy results indicating "mild non-erosive gastritis" without signs of cancer are generally reliable.
- Persistent pain after taking omeprazole may be due to several factors, including gastritis, dietary triggers, or even stress.
- Symptoms following gastritis can take time to resolve, and it's important to monitor and manage them effectively.
Explanation: The fact that your endoscopy did not reveal cancer is reassuring, as endoscopic procedures are quite thorough in examining the lining of the stomach. Mild non-erosive gastritis often responds well to acid-reducing medications like omeprazole, but some people continue to experience discomfort due to dietary choices, eating habits, or stress.
It is normal to feel some anxiety, especially since you've been experiencing pain after eating or drinking. This can be related to gastritis or even dietary intolerances.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any specific foods or beverages that seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms. Consider keeping a food diary to identify patterns.
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Continue Omeprazole as Prescribed:
- Finish your prescribed six-week course of omeprazole. If you notice significant improvement, it might just take some more time for the symptoms to completely resolve.
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that can irritate the stomach. Eating slowly and not lying down immediately after meals may also help.
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Follow-Up Studies:
- After your course of omeprazole, if your symptoms persist, you might consider discussing your ongoing pain with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further investigation, which could include a follow-up endoscopy, but this would depend on your specific symptoms and clinical judgment.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Consider incorporating stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle exercise, as stress can also exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Follow-Up Appointment:
- Schedule to revisit your doctor after completing your medication. They can reassess your symptoms and discuss any further steps if needed.
It's essential to communicate your ongoing concerns to your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and reassurance. You've taken significant steps for your health, and being proactive about your symptoms is key. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need more detailed guidance!
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