thickening of the gastric cardia

2 CT scans roughly a year apart show a “prominence of the thickness of the gastric cardia wall, slightly nodular”

At this point in time I do not know if there is any ‘change’, such as increased thickening or nodularity, between the 2 CT scans. Basically, my primary doctor was just looking to see if this was even still there before proceeding. So I just have 2 reports saying its there, with no real comparison between the two, yet.

The radiology report recommends endoscopy to "rule out a nodule". I am already scheduled to have this done, but its about a month away still. So I'm left here worrying.

I have no related symptoms of anything other than this abnormality showing up on my CT scan. I have had ‘weird’ pains in my rectal area off and on for many years, like since around age 19, so that seems unrelated, but I’m not a doctor.

Getting to my specifc question: “prominence of the thickness of the gastric cardia wall, slightly nodular”

What could cause a CT scan to show this! If there are lots of things by all means just give me a handful of ‘common’ things, something other than cancer. I already know that’s a possibility and I need to dilute my worries with other options!  Right now as far as I know its either a benign or malignant growth, nothing else?

Two other specific questions I have are if a hiatal hernia would present this way in a CT scan? And if crohn’s disease could cause inflammation or thickening of the gastric cardia and present this way in a CT scan?

I'm not asking for any type of diagnosis. I know I need to consult with my doctor, which I am and will continue to do. I'm just asking the people that know to please shed some light on what other things, besides cancer, would result in my CT scan showing this abnormality. Yes, I hope the answer winds up releiving some of my worry, but I want the truth, even if it just makes me worry more. Give it to me straight.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

As you mentioned, cancer needs to be ruled out first before other causes can be considered.  If negative, ulcers or gastritis can be considered.  

A CT scan is not the best test for a hiatal hernia.  It would be unlikely for it to present as thickening.  

Crohn's diseases typically results in small bowel thickening, not stomach thickening.  

The endoscopy is the best test to follow this up.  The next step would be determined by the results of the this test.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[tynkerbell2]

A related discussion, Abnormal Abdominal calcification was started.