Benign growths are nonmalignant, do not reoccur and are not progressive. The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum and anus.

The exact cause is generally unknown. The relationship of congenital, environmental, chemical, genetic, viral or immunologic causes to benign tumor formation is yet to be established.

These will depend on the site and extent of the growth. Some possible manifestations of new growths in specified parts of the digestive tract are as follows:

• Mouth - could include swelling, possible problems with chewing and swallowing, and salivary gland involvement.

• Esophagus - could cause symptoms of obstruction from compression.

• Stomach - could be asymptomatic until a malignancy develops.

• Small intestine - could cause obstruction or bleeding with benign, small intestinal tumors.

• Large intestine - could cause rectal bleeding, cramping, and possible obstruction.

• Liver - could be caused by an adenoma of the liver which is usually asymptomatic.

• Gallbladder - could cause obstruction when the location is the bile ducts.

• Pancreas - could cause obstruction of the biliary tract or duodenum, bleeding or an abdominal mass if the tumors are nonfunctioning.

• Anorectal - could be aysmptomatic. If the growth is a polyp, it may protrude into the anus.

Diagnostic measures are dependent on factors related to the new growth, and those related to the specified part of the digestive system. Measures may include: physical examination; biopsies; blood work studies; endoscopy; arteriography; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); computed tomography (CT) scan; stool tests for occult blood; or barium studies.

Some benign new growths will require surgical resection. Other new growths are treated with laser phototherapy or electric coagulation, or endoscopy or flexible colonoscopy or both.

Although benign disease is nonmalignant, some growths will require surgery. These patients will undergo a postoperative recovery phase with possible incision, sutures, and wound healing.

• None.

• Evaluate under an appropriate diagnostic code, depending on the predominant disability or the specific residuals after treatment.