During gastroscopy, doctors often reveal small plaques on the gastric mucosa. They are called xanthomas. Such formations attract the attention of scientists from all over the world, since the exact mechanism of their occurrence is not defined.
Xanthoma of the stomach - what is it?
The treatment of any disease cannot be imagined without studying its pathogenesis. Xanthoma is a neoplasm of a benign nature that occurs as a result of a violation of cholesterol metabolism. According to the histological structure, this is an accumulation of macrophages. In the process of pathological changes, they capture particles of lipids and are transformed into xanthome elements that form tumors. On the gastric mucosa, neoplasms look like deposits of a yellowish color with clear boundaries. Their size can vary from 5 to 15 mm.
Clinical picture
Xanthoma of the stomach is a small rounded formation that rises slightly above the surface of the organ. In its histological structure, it resembles an atherosclerotic plaque. Microscopically, the formation consists of many elements, fatty inclusions are clearly visible in their cytoplasm. They fill almost the entire space of the cell, pushing the nucleus and organelles to the periphery. A benign formation may be singular, but more often there are groups of plaques scattered across all parts of the stomach. In this case, we are talking about a disease called xanthomatosis. Among the most common areas of localization where pathology can be detected, doctors distinguish the following:
- antrum;
- small curvature;
- lower body.
The greatest danger is xanthoma of the antrum. Treatment of pathology is not complete without a preliminary biopsy of the material. It should be noted that the disease has a tendency to relapse. If the patient returns to the wrong lifestyle and neglects maintenance therapy, there is a chance of re-diagnosing plaques in the stomach during endoscopic examination.
The main causes of pathology
Where do xanthomas of the stomach come from? It is difficult to judge whether this violation is dangerous. If timely measures are taken to eliminate it, the development of complications can be prevented. Doctors name several causes of this pathology. It is often impossible to identify one specific one from the extensive list, which makes it multifactorial. A certain role in the appearance of xanthomas is assigned to a hereditary predisposition and a change in the lipid profile.
The leading cause, according to most experts, is a metabolic disorder in the body. In particular, we are talking about problems at the level of lipids and triglycerides. The region of the stomach is lined with prismatic epithelium, represented by many glandular cells. As a result of metabolic disturbances, lipids begin to be deposited in its cells, gradually filling their cytoplasmic space. This mechanism has not been fully studied and is a kind of assumption. In general, the process of deposition of fatty inclusions in the epithelium of the stomach is similar to that of atherosclerosis. Therefore, these two pathologies have several common features.
Symptoms and first signs
Neoplasms of a benign nature for a long time do not make themselves felt. This significantly complicates the diagnosis of pathology at an early stage. Typically, gastric xanthoma is detected by chance when a patient comes with complaints of gastritis or bulbitis. Its most typical symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, vomiting, and a change in the consistency of feces. The main signs of pathology are often disguised as background diseases.
Diagnostic Methods
As for the diagnosis of pathology, many doctors do not attach due importance to it. Plaques can go unnoticed for a long time due to foaming of the stomach. To quickly clean it, patients are offered special preparations, after the onset of which they proceed to endoscopic examination. Xanthoma of the stomach is a small neoplasm, but diagnosis should not be neglected. If even microscopic plaques are detected, doctors must necessarily record this fact in endoscopic protocols. Timely detection of neoplasms allows them to be completely cured, as well as to prevent transformation into cancerous elements.
After obtaining the results of an endoscopic examination of the tissue, xanthomas are sent to a laboratory where the qualitative composition of the material is studied. It is important to differentiate a benign neoplasm from malignant tumors. After receiving a complete picture of the pathology, therapy is prescribed.
Drug treatment of xanthomas of the stomach
Therapy with drugs has two goals: eliminating the accumulation of cholesterol, correcting lipid metabolism. To perform such tasks, patients are prescribed various medications. For example, with a significant excess of cholesterol, statins are prescribed. The most effective medicines of this pharmacological group are Atomax, Liptonorm, Roxer, Cardiostatin. They reduce the secretion of enzymes responsible for the formation of cholesterol. These drugs have side effects, so their use is possible only as directed by a doctor. Synthetic statins compete with medicines made from natural ingredients. It is especially necessary to highlight "Polycanazole" obtained from sugar cane. It has virtually no side effects.
Correction of lipid metabolism is impossible to imagine without sequestrants of bile acids. Among them, Lovastatin is distinguished by increased tolerance. Derivatives of fibric acid (Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil) are often prescribed. Antioxidants in combination with vitamins E and group B are actively used in the treatment of gastric xanthomas.
If the patient has a lipid profile, additional consultation with an endocrinologist is considered appropriate. Most likely, an examination of the arteries and aorta will be required. These measures do not apply to the direct treatment of xanthomas, but allow you to diagnose other diseases that adversely affect the quality of life.
Alternative methods of therapy
Nature is rich in completely harmless statins, which in practice are used to correct blood cholesterol. According to experts, their use is justified in the treatment of xanthomas of the antrum or its body. The following funds deserved special popularity:
- Fish oil is considered an excellent regulator of lipid metabolism. Flaxseed oil has a similar effect.
- Vitamins The well-known ascorbic acid (its source is citrus fruits) inhibits the production of lipoproteins. Vitamin B3 is a natural statin and is found in large quantities in green vegetables and cereals.
- Garlic is an effective cholesterol regulator.
No less useful products with resveratrol (dark grapes, cocoa). As one more excellent folk remedy, experts recommend preparing a decoction. For it, you will need 200 g of dogrose and 5 tablespoons of chopped spruce needles. Ingredients are poured into 1.5 liters of water and boiled for about 20 minutes. The resulting broth is recommended to be consumed 100 ml twice a day. He is especially advised to patients with a diagnosis of "xanthoma of the angle of the stomach."
Medical nutrition
Given the importance of lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, treatment of pathology is impossible without adjusting the diet. All fatty foods, including sour cream and cream, should be completely eliminated from the diet. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited. On the contrary, it is recommended to increase the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, walnuts. Gradually, you can supplement the diet with cereals on the water, lean meat and fish. Soy products have a positive effect on lipid metabolism. A therapeutic diet is recommended to be observed for 30 days and under the constant supervision of a doctor. Neglect of such rules is dangerous relapse, including after a course of therapy.
Preventive measures
Xanthoma of the body of the stomach or its antrum is a serious pathology that requires long-term treatment. Is it possible to prevent its occurrence? Considering the recommended methods of prevention, it is necessary to address the etiology. Xanthoma develops as a result of diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases. Therefore, to avoid its occurrence, it is necessary to periodically undergo a full examination, and if violations are detected, do not self-medicate. Timely treatment of diseases is the basis for xanthoma prevention.
On the other hand, a certain role in the development of pathology belongs to malnutrition and bad habits. Therefore, doctors advise to stop drinking alcohol, smoking, adhere to a healthy lifestyle and engage in feasible sports. A balanced diet is another prevention option for xanthomas. Fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, convenience foods, fast food should be excluded from the diet. All products that contribute to the occurrence of atherosclerosis also fall under the ban.
To summarize
Xanthoma of the stomach is a small plaque localized on the mucous organ. This phenomenon still causes a lot of controversy among doctors, since the exact mechanism of its occurrence is not defined. Opinions are expressed about the relationship with atherosclerotic plaques and even with cancer. Xanthoma treatment is a long and complex process that requires the use of serious medications.