All About Gastric Polyps and Should You Be Worried if You Have Them

February 21 06:56 2025 Print This Article

Summary

Gastric polyps is a condition marked by the formation of small growths called polyps, on the inside of the stomach. They can be as small as a few millimetres in diameter, or grow up to 1-1.5 cm in diameter. Most polyps are non-cancerous or harmless, and treated in different ways. Larger-sized polyps have a higher probability of turning cancerous, so they are removed using endoscopic methods. In this article, we will learn about all aspects of this condition.

Introduction 

The stomach is a large bag-like structure present in the central abdomen. It is responsible for producing stomach acid that helps in the digestion of food. The upper part of the stomach is called fundus, the middle part is called body and the lower part – antrum. The stomach also secretes an inner layer of mucous to protect itself from the acid secreted within.

In some people, there is an abnormal growth of cells in one or more sections of the epithelium. This results in small, smooth and flat bumps, called polyps, on the inside of the stomach. It may have a pedicle or some tube (pedicle/stalk). Gastric polyps appear as bunches, in one or more parts of the stomach, depending on the type of polyps. While most gastric polyps originate in the epithelium (epithelial polyps), based on the cells, polyps vary.

It is estimated that gastric polyps affect 0.8-2.4% of the general population.

Types of Gastric Polyps 

Gastric polyps are of broadly 2 types:

• Non-neoplastic: Which means they are benign and not cancerous. Most gastric polyps are of this type.
• Neoplastic: These have a higher probability of becoming cancerous.

Epithelial polyps, which constitute a majority of all gastric polyp cases, are of 3 types:

Fundic Gland Polyps (FGP): As the name implies, these develop in the upper part of the stomach, called the fundus. They are also the most common among the 3 types. They appear as multiple, flat, small, smooth bumps, generally in one or two spots. They are mostly benign and rarely develop into cancer. An important risk factor for FGP is the use of proton pump inhibitors. These are a class of medicines taken to overcome acidity and related conditions such as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease).

Gastric Hyperplastic Polyps (GHP): Here, the polyps appear as bunches and are distributed throughout the inside of the stomach. They may also be found near a stomach ulcer. They are caused by all those conditions that irritate the stomach or cause inflammation in it. Risk factors include chronic gastritis (long-lasting gastritis with moderate level of symptoms), and infection by a bacteria called Heliobacter pylori or H pylori. Pernicious anaemia which causes a drop in the RBC count is another risk factor. They are generally non-cancerous, but in patients with chronic gastritis, they can be indicative of cancer of the stomach lining. That is, the polyp itself is non-cancerous, but the stomach lining around it may be developing a cancer.

Adenomatous polyps: This is a type of neoplastic polyp which means, they can get cancerous. They are generally the starting point or trigger for stomach cancer. They are generally found in the lower part of the stomach called antrum, from where they can spread to the intestines and colon. For such polyps, a polypectomy, which is an endoscopic procedure to remove polyps, is done.

Other types of gastric polyps:

• Inflammatory fibroid polyps
• Gastro-neuro-endocrine tumour polyps
• Gastro-intestinal stromal tumour polyps
• Leiomyoma polyps

Causes and Risk Factors 

While what actually causes polyps to develop, is not clearly known, there are clear risk factors.

• Age: People above 65 years of age are at more risk than younger people.
• Gender: Polyps affect both genders equally, typically in mid to late adult life.
• Use of PPI: Proton Pump Inhibitors are a class of medicines that are used to treat inflammation of the stomach lining. They are used to treat gastritis and disorders like GERD. They inhibit the production of stomach acid. As a reaction to such drugs, the epithelial cells grow abnormally. These growths are not always cancerous, and once the use of PPI is discontinued, the polyps also regress in growth.
• Chronic inflammation: Conditions that irritate or inflame the stomach lining can trigger polyps, if not treated in time.
• H pylori infection: Heliobacter pylori or H pylori, a bacterium that is common in unsafe and unhygienically prepared food can cause infection in the stomach. Repeated infections by H pylori can trigger polyps, gastritis, peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
• Stomach erosion, due to conditions such as ulcers, which affects the mucosal layer.
• Conditions like pernicious anemia and chronic antral gastritis increase risk of hyperplastic polyps.
• If there are a large number of polyps, then the patient may need colonoscopy.

Symptoms of Gastric Polyps 

Gastric polyps don’t always show clear symptoms in the initial stages. In fact, most polyps are discovered on procedure. When polyps grow in size, they can even block the passage between the stomach and the small intestine. If the polyp is a large obscurity in the lumen, then only will the patient have symptoms.

Diagnosis 

There are only 2 diagnostic methods used.

• Endoscopy: A flexible long, thin tube with a camera and light fitted at one end is inserted into the stomach. The camera relays images to a monitor kept in the procedure-room.
• Biopsy: If he/she suspects cancerous growth or the possibility of one, he/she will do a biopsy during the same endoscopy procedure. A sample of the growth is extracted, and examined under a microscope later.

Treatment for Gastric Polyps 

Treatment options will depend on the size, shape, location and type of polyp, and age, gender and smoking history of the patient.

Polypectomy: During an endoscopy, polyps that are 1 cm or more in diameter are removed immediately, irrespective of whether they could be cancerous or not. This is because larger polyps have a higher probability of becoming cancerous later. The procedure is called polypectomy. The same endoscope which is used for examination also contains tools at its tip. Using these tools, the gastroenterologist can snare or encircle the polyp in a loop of thread, and then squeeze the thread tight in order to cut or detach the polyp from its base after prior intimation.

If the polyps found during examination are less than 1 cm in diameter, a sample is taken for biopsy. Based on the biopsy results, and type of polyp, treatment is as below:

FGP: The doctor will check for the tissue below the polyp by doing another biopsy of this tissue. If there is no dysplasia (abnormal growth of cells, which can be indicative of cancer), then there is no treatment for the polyp. However, if there is dysplasia in the tissue around the polyp, the doctor will examine the family history of cancer, and do a colonoscopy as required.

GHP: Once GHP is confirmed from the biopsy, the polyp will be tested for H pylori infection. If there is H pylori infection, the same is treated with medication. The doctor will examine the patient again after a year, to check if the polyp is still there or not. If it’s still there, and if the biopsy shows dysplasia in the polyp, a polypectomy is done.

Adenomatous: If the biopsy confirms the polyp type as adenomatous, a polypectomy is done immediately. This is because such polyps have a high probability of developing into a cancer. Further, the gastroenterologist will examine the patient again after 6 and 12 months to check if there is a relapse of polyps. If there is a relapse, and the area surrounding the polyp has dysplasia, then colonoscopy and medication will be the course of treatment.

Treating infection: If the initial examination reveals polyps and also an infection (such as from H pylori), or inflammation, medicines are given to treat the same.

For comprehensive care in managing gastric polyps, visit Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our experienced gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to ensure your digestive health. Trust us for cutting-edge care and a compassionate approach to your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are gastric polyps?
Gastric polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the stomach. Most are harmless, but some may turn cancerous.

What causes gastric polyps?
They can be caused by chronic stomach inflammation, H. pylori infection, prolonged use of acid-reducing medications, or age-related changes.

Do gastric polyps cause symptoms?
Most gastric polyps don’t cause symptoms. Larger ones may lead to stomach pain, nausea, or bleeding.

How are gastric polyps diagnosed?
They are usually found during an endoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera examines the stomach lining. A biopsy may be done if needed.

Do all gastric polyps need treatment?
Small, non-cancerous polyps may not need treatment. Larger or potentially cancerous ones are removed through endoscopic polypectomy.

Can gastric polyps turn into cancer?
Most polyps are harmless, but adenomatous polyps have a higher risk of becoming cancerous and require removal.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801