Submucosal Lesions

Submucosal lesions are growths that are found under the body’s mucosal layer. In many cases, they do not cause symptoms, so they are discovered accidentally when a doctor is performing an endoscopy for another reason.

There are several types of submucosal lesions. One type is a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, which is usually found in the stomach or small intestine. Leiomyomas are benign tumors typically located in the distal portion of the esophagus, and lipomas are benign, fatty tumors located anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract. There are other rare forms of submucosal lesions, such as granular cell tumors, typically found in the esophagus or oropharynx or duplication cysts, which are rare birth defects usually occurring in the colon, ileum, or esophagus.

Are submucosal lesions cancerous?

While submucosal lesions are often benign or non-cancerous, some of them can become malignant. For example, about 10 percent of gastrointestinal stromal tumors are cancerous. Granular cell tumors can also be malignant.

Are submucosal lesions painful?

In many cases, submucosal lesions are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause noticeable symptoms. While this is true, submucosal lesions can occasionally cause unpleasant symptoms, especially if they are large.

How are submucosal lesions treated?

Treatment depends upon the type of lesion and whether it is cancerous or causing symptoms. Small lesions and those that are asymptomatic typically do not require treatment, but a doctor may monitor them for complications. If a submucosal lesion is causing painful symptoms, a doctor may surgically remove them. Surgical resection or excision or fine needle aspiration are treatment options for problematic submucosal lesions. Surgical resection is typically the treatment of choice for cancerous lesions.

Common Symptoms

“I had abdominal pain and suffered from bowel obstruction with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor.”
“I had stomach pain along with vomiting and difficulty swallowing.”
“I experienced stomach pain along with bouts of diarrhea.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6227 reviews

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N S.

Dr. Abadir was very nice and thorough. He cares about his patients and will do what is necessary to resolve your health issues. We have been to the Romeo plank office which was very clean.The only thing is when you are greeted they are nice and thorough but need to smile. 🙂

kim D.

Dr Bakken and the entire staff are fantastic. The facility is really nice and very clean. Highly recommend!

Laurie Alward D.

Everyone involved in my care was very nice and very efficient. I felt like I would be very well taken care of.

Jeffrey J Z.

Quick registration process. Taken back on time. Treated with dignity. Fantastic prep nurses, anesthesiologist, procedure nurse and recovery nurse. Great doctor. Highly recommend Dr Bologna and his staff.

Brian A.

Very professional and on time. Great staff and Doctors.

Ren S.

Great experience having my first EGD. Very centralized location. I was in and out so quickly and efficiently with my procedure.

Neil M.

Professional and courteous staff from signing in until leaving. Dr. Donat has excellent bedside manners, and took time to explain results including any questions that you may have.

Scout L.

Exceptional care and service from a very caring, kind and supportive staff, from the Drs to the receptionist. Highly recommend this practice.

John M.

Friendly staff will take good care of you.

Jeff P.

Always professional and helpful.

Matt W.

Everyone in the Center for Digestive Health - Troy Clinic was courteous, professional and comfortable to be with.

Marjorie Z.

First off all, Dr. Wille is the best gastroenterologist I have ever had! He not only excels in his field and is very respectful, informative and professional, he is also very laid back, and relaxed with a caring and attentive personality. He really listens to every word you are saying and responds. Further, while I was there I interfaced with about 12-15 members of the staff. Amazingly, every single person was extremely, patient and kind. Everyone from the folks in the office who register you, to the staff that takes your medical info to preparing you for the Colonoscopy/endoscopy lab, and the medical staff in the lab completely explained what they were doing and why. I honestly would have to say it is the most caring atmosphere I have ever experienced. The entire staff was 100% invested in your comfort, care and security. I will always look forward to returning to that office if necessary with confidence and without reservation of any kind!

Dawn P.

Always have a great experience the staff is considerate,professional & they all care. I see Noelle she's the best!!

Mehrdad N.

i was very please with the staff and their care. Thank you

peggy S.

I’ve always had a very good experience at 22 an Romeo plank office. Dr. Nandi is the best. staff is also very wonderful a pleasant experience.

Rochelle C.

The staff was very helpful and professional. The Doctor (Bakken) was very knowledgeable & very detailed in her examination and gathering my personal information & family history & events. Great experience overall!

Renee X.

I had a colonoscopy with Dr Nandi . Everyone was very attentive. I felt comfortable and confident.

candace

Everyone was very sweet,nice and understanding. I really can't think of anything I was disappointed in my morning I spent there during my procedure. THANK YOU DOCTOR AND STAFF

Ingrid H.

Wonderful, kind staff. The entire experience put my mind at ease and I am so grateful.

Tarey T.

The only issue is that the communication manager does not handle comms well in either direction. But the center, its doctors etc are worth even that.

Jeffrey R.

Great knowledge and listening skills. My Doctor focuses on the medical history 1st; Which says a ton about any professional, but definitely a physician.

Mike R.

Dr. Boloanga and staff : A+++

Gregg “Bigdaddycuemastersupremeo” B.

dr b was patient, imminently experienced, and great with hearing my delicate questions. great staff also, give them a chance to help you too.

Edie P.

Professional and on time

Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6232 reviews

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kim D.

Dr Bakken and the entire staff are fantastic. The facility is really nice and very clean. Highly recommend!

Joelle M.

Everyone is so knowledgeable and friendly. I never have to wait more than 10 min in the waiting room. I'll be a patient for life!

Shawn R.

I have loved Dr. Bakin for years now as my physician. She always looks for more than the obvious when trying to help me , offering multiple treatment options, not being so quick to only consider meds. And her staff in the Troy office were very pleasant.

Robyn K.

Everyone was specially nice and helpful, waiting time was great out within 2hrs. Would recommend

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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