A bezoar (pseudo-intestinal stone) is a dense tumor or spherical mass that can form in the stomach, esophagus, or rectum. Most often, bezoars are referred to in the context of animals, but they also occur in humans. What causes bezoars to form? What are the symptoms? How is treatment done when you have a bezoar?

Bezoarsin humans may occur instomach ,esophagusorrectum . They are formed when the food content cannot move freely in the digestive system for various reasons. Depending on what the bezoar was made of, we can talk about:

  • phytobezoars - contain plant fibers (fruit, cereals, vegetables)
  • trichobezoars - contain hair (usually found in men with a beard)
  • pharmacobezoars - contain drugs

The presence of phytobezoars in humans is related to the geographical location, especially in areas where dates, coconuts, celery, pumpkin, raisins, plums and other stonefish are eaten in large amounts.

Bezoar: causes of formation

Bezoars appear when there are conditions for the contents or objects to remain in the stomach. These include:

  • diabetic gastroparesis
  • pyloric stenosis
  • acidity
  • condition after gastric surgery

Food residues and other materials are clumped together by excess mucus.

Bezoar: symptoms

Most patients do not experience any symptoms related to the retention of a ball in the stomach. Some patients complain of nausea, satiety, sharp weight loss and epigastric pain. Large bezoars are often palpable.

Bezoar: possible complications

If the compact tumor is large, it may lead to obstruction of the digestive system, pressure ulcers or hemorrhages. They usually cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis).

Bezoar: diagnosis and treatment

Endoscopy or X-ray can help in diagnosing bezoars. If the bezoar is large and hard, it should be removed surgically, if smaller and soft - laxatives will suffice.

Category:

Gastrology