Endoscopy frequency

[NOTI1]

I had an endoscopy when first diagnosed with PA and benign polyps were found. That was nearly 7 years ago; does anyone know if this test should be done regularly? Also, I have had symptoms recently that worry me a bit but they could be a result of the tail end of a lingering virus. I know that PA increases the risk of stomach cancer but don't know how, or if, this should be monitored.

[Orchard33]

I too found I have fundic polyps after an endoscopy some months ago. If the cause is long term use of PPIs or H2 Blockers then it is only by no longer taking them that the polyps will disappear over time.

[NOTI1 in reply to Orchard33]

There was no obvious cause for mine; they were biopsied and benign; I would have expected some follow up though.

[Orchard33 in reply to NOTI1]

Interesting. I'm not sure the NHS does follow ups for anything benign. No follow-up was mentioned to me.

[Jason_h123]

my gastroenterologist has me on 3 yearly checks.

[NOTI1 in reply to Jason_h123]

I hope you dont mind me asking but is this just routine and are you in the UK?

[Jason_h123 in reply to NOTI1]

Yes U.K. , routine for gastric atrophy and PA etc

[NOTI1 in reply to Jason_h123]

Thank you. I have a less enthusiastic/interested gp.

[Jason_h123 in reply to NOTI1]

I had to go private to get any form of enthusiasm 😟

[NOTI1 in reply to Jason_h123]

Which specialism did you see and did they prescribe mire frequent injections and the regular endoscopy?

[Jason_h123 in reply to NOTI1]

I doubled up, seeing Andrew Klein at the Cambridge iron clinic for the injection and iron side of things and a local private hospital for the recommended endoscopy.

[NOTI1 in reply to Jason_h123]

I will look into what is available where I am. Thanks

[Helliborous]

I had an endoscopy NHS a year ago and it showed Atrophic gastritis and Foveolar hyperplasia was told current guide lines ' no further action necessary'. I wasn't satisfied with the guidelines so thought it best to go privately a year from the date.

This was done 25th Nov 2023 and I had the results a week later. I have now developed Metaplasia and Neuroendocrine hyperplasia both need regular survsurveillance current guide lines every 3years. I plan however to go in a years time , so yes I feel it is best to be checked especially if you have digestive problems. Best wishes

[NOTI1 in reply to Helliborous]

Thank you, it is difficult to know whether lack of follow up is because of funding or based on science and health.

[Lin602]

Hi, I'm a new member, 76 yr old female in the US. I have pernicious anemia, type A blood and a family history of gastric cancer. Both my father and one of his sisters died from GC. I am at high risk for GC but have not asked for an endoscopy. I eat an organic plant-based diet and avoid anything salty or acidic, no caffeine or alcohol consumption. I have no symptoms of any digestive issues.

Part of me says I should start routine endoscopy exams or at least have one for a baseline. But another part of me says that I should continue my healthy lifestyle and watch for any digestive abnormality. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has faced this dilemma or from anyone with gastric (stomach) cancer. Is GC ever diagnosed with no symptoms? How long were symptoms present before diagnosis? Please share your stories with me.