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Definition
Stomach polyps are masses of cells that form on the inside lining of your stomach. Stomach polyps, also called gastric polyps, are rare.
Stomach polyps typically don't cause any signs or symptoms. Stomach polyps are most often discovered by accident, such as when your doctor is examining you for some other reason.
If your doctor discovers you have stomach polyps, treatment advice is determined by the type of stomach polyps you have. Most stomach polyps don't become cancerous, but certain types may increase your risk of stomach cancer in the future. For this reason, some stomach polyps are removed and others may not require treatment.
Symptoms
Stomach polyps usually don't cause symptoms. However, as a stomach polyp enlarges, ulcers may develop on its surface, or rarely, the polyp may block the opening between your stomach and your small intestine.
If you have stomach polyps, you may experience:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness when you press your abdomen
- Bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
When to see a doctor
If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
Stomach polyps form in response to inflammation or other damage to the lining of the stomach.
Types of stomach polyps
The most common types of stomach polyps are:
- Hyperplastic polyps. Hyperplastic polyps form as a reaction to chronic inflammation in the cells that line the inside of the stomach. Hyperplastic polyps are most common in people with stomach inflammation (gastritis), which has many causes. Most hyperplastic polyps are unlikely to become stomach cancer. But larger hyperplastic polyps, such as those larger than about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) in diameter, have a greater risk of becoming cancerous.
- Fundic gland polyps. Fundic gland polyps form from the glandular cells that are found on the inside lining of the stomach. Fundic gland polyps occur in people with an inherited colon cancer syndrome called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), but they can also occur in people who don't have this inherited syndrome. Most fundic gland polyps are unlikely to become stomach cancer, except for those that occur in people with FAP.
- Adenomas. Adenomas form from the glandular cells found on the inside lining of the stomach. But when adenomas form, their cells develop errors in their DNA. These changes make the cells vulnerable to becoming cancerous. Though adenomas are the least common type of stomach polyp, they are the most likely type to become stomach cancer. Adenomas are associated with stomach inflammation and FAP.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your chances of developing stomach polyps are:
- Increasing age. The risk of stomach polyps increases with age. Stomach polyps are more common among people in their 50s or older.
- Bacterial stomach infection. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a common cause of the gastritis that contributes to hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Experts aren't sure how people become infected with these bacteria, but H. pylori may be carried in food and water.
- An inherited colon cancer syndrome. Familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited syndrome that increases the risk of colon cancer and other conditions, such as stomach polyps.
- Certain medications. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has been linked to fundic gland polyps. PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec Rx), pantoprazole (Protonix) and rabeprazole (Aciphex).
Preparing for your appointment
Start by seeing your family doctor if you have stomach problems that worry you. If your doctor suspects you may have stomach polyps or another stomach problem, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the digestive system (gastroenterologist).
Because appointment time is limited, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Follow all pre-appointment instructions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Plan to take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For stomach polyps, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your 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 FAP?
- Do you take medications to reduce stomach acid?
Tests and diagnosis
Tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach polyps include:
- Using a scope to see inside your stomach. During an upper endoscopy procedure, your doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube into your mouth and down your throat. The device has a camera at the tip that allows your doctor to see inside your stomach.
- Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). During the endoscopy procedure, your doctor may feed special tools through the tube. The tools allow your doctor to remove a small piece of suspicious tissue for testing in a laboratory. These tests may help your doctor determine what type of stomach polyps you have.
Treatments and drugs
Treatment may not be necessary
Small polyps that aren't adenomas may not require treatment. These polyps typically don't cause signs and symptoms and only rarely become cancerous. Instead, your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring of your stomach polyps. You may undergo endoscopy to see whether your stomach polyps have grown. Polyps that grow or that cause signs and symptoms can be removed.
Removing adenomas and large stomach polyps
Treatment to remove stomach polyps may be recommended if your polyps are adenomas or if they are larger than 2/5 inch (1 cm) in diameter. Most polyps can be removed during an endoscopy exam.
Stopping H. pylori infection to treat and prevent polyps
If you have gastritis caused by H. pylori bacteria in your stomach, your doctor will likely recommend killing the bacteria with antibiotics. Stopping an H. pylori infection may make hyperplastic polyps disappear. It may also stop polyps from returning in the future. Tests can help your doctor determine whether you have H. pylori infection. Then, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for you to take for several weeks to kill the H. pylori bacteria.
Last Updated: 2010-07-31
