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What are Stomach Nodules?

Marisa O'Connor
Marisa O'Connor

Stomach nodules describe multiple small, solid areas on the lining of the stomach. There are many different possible causes of these nodules, including cancer, inflammation, and ulcers. Symptoms of nodule growth include abdominal pain, bleeding, or a feeling of being full very quickly after eating. Treatment depends on the cause and can include surgery or prescription medication.

A nodule describes a hard, knot-like lump of tissue that can occur anywhere on the body. As the name suggests, stomach nodules occur on the stomach, specifically the inner wall of the stomach. A nodule does not indicate any specific condition. It may be as benign as acne or a cyst or as serious as a malignant tumor. A sample of the nodule is required to determine the cause.

A feeling of being full very quickly after eating may be a symptom of a stomach nodule.
A feeling of being full very quickly after eating may be a symptom of a stomach nodule.

Stomach nodules are often caused by inflammation in the stomach lining. There are many different factors that can contribute to stomach lining inflammation, including infection. Diets high in salt and processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables can lead to stomach inflammation and irritation.

There are a few different conditions that can be indicated by the presence of stomach nodules. One of these conditions includes ulcers, which develop when the lining of the stomach becomes very irritated and inflamed. Ulcers can be quite painful, but it is not the most severe cause of these nodules.

Diets high in salt may lead to stomach irritation and inflammation.
Diets high in salt may lead to stomach irritation and inflammation.

Cancer of the stomach may show nodules. A doctor should be consulted when nodules are present in order to rule out or diagnose gastric cancer. An endoscopy will likely be performed, which involves a long flexible tube attached to a camera. The tube is inserted through the mouth and down the throat in order to study the digestive system. A biopsy will be taken from a sample of the nodule in order to determine whether the growth is benign or malignant.

A biopsy will be conducted if cancer of the stomach is suspected.
A biopsy will be conducted if cancer of the stomach is suspected.

Symptoms of stomach nodules can vary with each individual, depending on overall health and the size and severity of the growth. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain or bleeding. Nausea, vomiting, and the sensation of being full very soon after eating are also commonly experienced symptoms of nodules in the stomach.

Treatment of stomach nodules depends on the cause. Any cancerous nodules will require immediate surgical removal. Nodules that may someday become cancerous will also likely be removed during surgery. If the cause of the growths is from a bacterial infection, medication will be prescribed to kill the bacteria.

Discussion Comments

anon997585

After an endoscopy, my doctor told me I have a large ulcer and there is a nodule that has to be biopsied by another doctor, since she couldn't do the biopsy. I want to know why didn't she take a biopsy with the endoscopy?

anon995029

If you are on bloodthinners, how can they do a biopsy? I am not supposed to stop my meds more than 36 hours.

anon992341

nanny3 is correct. I had an endoscopy due to stomach problems. They found several nodules, which they then biopsied by taking a sample of them during the procedure. In my case, they were due to an infection of Heliobacter Pylorii, which can be killed by a regimen of antibiotics (often called a PrevPac). Don't take a chance, get an endoscopy! It's painless and I don't remember a thing about it because I was lightly sedated.

nanny3

@dimpley - I think that doctors order something like an endoscopy if there are a lot of factors (indigestion, pain, bloating, etc) pointing to a major stomach problem (somach ulcer, tumor, cancer). If I were a betting man, I would say this is how they find the nodules in the first place.

I think that it’s sort of like when a person goes for a colonoscopy. There is a little tool that goes in with the camera which they can get a piece of a polyp. This little sample is used to see if the polyp is cancerous.

I’m not sure on technical names and things of that nature, but I’m pretty sure that it follows the same sort of pattern.

Once they take a look inside, they will most likely not only find the nodule, but also the cause of the nodule at the same time.

dimpley

So, with stomach nodules, there could be several different conditions causing it, right? Okay; got it. In that case, how do doctors tell which problem it is?

There is a big gap between having lots of indigestion which can cause these little nodules and stomach cancer. I sure wouldn’t want to take a chance on having one if it could just as likely be the other.

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    • A feeling of being full very quickly after eating may be a symptom of a stomach nodule.
      By: Rido
      A feeling of being full very quickly after eating may be a symptom of a stomach nodule.
    • Diets high in salt may lead to stomach irritation and inflammation.
      By: ilolab
      Diets high in salt may lead to stomach irritation and inflammation.
    • A biopsy will be conducted if cancer of the stomach is suspected.
      By: laviejasirena
      A biopsy will be conducted if cancer of the stomach is suspected.
    • Surgery may be required to treat stomach nodules.
      By: dacasdo
      Surgery may be required to treat stomach nodules.
    • Nodules on the inner wall of the stomach can be benign or malignant, and should be examined and tested by a physician.
      By: Balint Radu
      Nodules on the inner wall of the stomach can be benign or malignant, and should be examined and tested by a physician.
    • Doctors use an endoscope to conduct internal examinations.
      By: JackF
      Doctors use an endoscope to conduct internal examinations.
    • Abdominal pain is a common symptom of stomach nodules.
      By: dragon_fang
      Abdominal pain is a common symptom of stomach nodules.
    • Patients with stomach cancer may experience painful stomach nodules.
      By: Alliance
      Patients with stomach cancer may experience painful stomach nodules.
    • The presence of stomach nodules can indicate an ulcer.
      By: decade3d
      The presence of stomach nodules can indicate an ulcer.
    • An ultrasound can be used to detect a stomach nodule.
      By: nyul
      An ultrasound can be used to detect a stomach nodule.