Esophageal varices can be small or large. Small varices measure less than 5 millimetersTrusted Source in diameter, and they may require different treatments from larger varices. Small varices do not always cause symptoms. A doctor will recommend ways to prevent further liver damage, which may involve medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment for large varices may involve minor surgery to prevent bleeding. Varices can also form in other areas of the body: Gastric varices occur in the stomach and duodenal varices form in the first part of the small intestine. A person can also develop rectal varices.