Polyps in the stomach

Description

Stomach polyps-also called gastric polyps — are masses of cells that form in the inner lining of your stomach. These polyps are rare and usually do not cause any signs or symptoms.

Stomach polyps are most often discovered when your health care provider is the exam for any other reason.

The majority of polyps in the stomach does not become cancerous. But certain types can increase your risk of stomach cancer. Depending on the type of stomach polyp you have, treatment might involve removing the polyp or the monitoring of the changes.

Symptoms

Stomach polyps usually do not cause symptoms.

But as a stomach polyp grows, open sores, called ulcers can develop on its surface. Rarely, the polyps may block the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.

The symptoms include:

  • Pain or tenderness when you press on the stomach
  • Nausea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Anemia

When to see a doctor

Consult your health care provider if you have ongoing blood in the stool, or other symptoms of polyps in the stomach.

Causes

The stomach of the polyps that form in response to damage to the lining of the stomach. The most common causes of stomach polyps are:

  • Long-term inflammation of the stomach.Also known as gastritis, this condition can lead to the formation of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Hyperplastic polyps are unlikely to become cancerous, even though more about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) lead to a higher risk. Adenomas are the least common type of stomach polyp, but the type most likely to become cancerous. For that reason, they are usually deleted.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare hereditary syndrome causes certain cells in the stomach's inner lining to form a type of polyp called gland fundic polyp. When associated with this syndrome, the gland fundic polyps are removed, as they may become cancerous. Familial adenomatous polyposis can also cause adenomas.
  • The Regular use of certain drugs for the stomach.The gland fundic polyps are common among people who regularly take inhibitors of the proton pump to reduce stomach acid. These polyps are generally small and are not a cause of concern. A gland fundic polyp with a diameter greater than about 2/5 inch (1 cm) carries a small risk of cancer. Your health care provider may recommend the suspension of the proton pump inhibitors or the removal of polyps, or both.

Long-term inflammation of the stomach. Also known as gastritis, this condition can lead to the formation of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Hyperplastic polyps are unlikely to become cancerous, even though more about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) lead to a higher risk.

Adenomas are the least common type of stomach polyp, but the type most likely to become cancerous. For that reason, they are usually deleted.

The Regular use of certain drugs for the stomach. The gland fundic polyps are common among people who regularly take inhibitors of the proton pump to reduce stomach acid. These polyps are generally small and are not a cause of concern.

A gland fundic polyp with a diameter greater than about 2/5 inch (1 cm) carries a small risk of cancer. Your health care provider may recommend the suspension of the proton pump inhibitors or the removal of polyps, or both.

Risk factors

The factors that increase the chances of developing polyps in the stomach include:

  • Age. Stomach polyps are most common among the people in midadulthood to late adulthood.
  • Bacterial stomach infection. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a common cause of gastritis that contribute to hyperplastic polyps and adenomas.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare hereditary syndrome increases the risk of colon cancer and other conditions, including polyps in the stomach.
  • Certain medications. The long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to the gland fundic polyps. These are medications used to treat the reflux disease.

Polyps in the stomach

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose polyps in the stomach include:

  • Endoscopy, to see the inside of his stomach with a scope
  • Sample of tissue, also called a biopsy, which can be removed during endoscopy and analyzed in the laboratory

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of polyps in the stomach has:

  • Small polyps that are not adenomas. These polyps may not require treatment. It usually does not cause symptoms and will only rarely become cancerous. Your doctor may recommend a periodic follow-up to that, growing polyps or that cause signs and symptoms can be removed.
  • Large polyps in the stomach. These may need to be removed. The majority of polyps in the stomach may be removed during endoscopy.
  • The Adenomas. These polyps can become cancerous and are usually removed during endoscopy.
  • Polyps associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. These are removed because they may become cancerous.

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a follow-up endoscopy to check for recurrent polyps.

The treatment of H. pylori infection

If you have gastritis caused by H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, your doctor will likely recommend treatment with a combination of medications, including antibiotics. The treatment of infection by H. pylori can do that hyperplastic polyps disappear and you could also leave polyps from recurring.

Preparing for your appointment

You could start by seeing your primary health care provider, or you may be referred to a provider who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason of his appointment, and when they began
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes, and the medical history of the family
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including dose
  • Questions during your appointment

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For polyps in the stomach, some questions are:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • Do you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps, or familial adenomatous polyposis?
  • Do you take medications to reduce stomach acid?
Symptoms and treatment of polyps in the Stomach