Stomach polyps

Stomach polyps are irregular growths of cells that form on the lining inside the stomach. These polyps are rare and usually don’t cause any symptoms. Stomach polyps also are called gastric polyps.

Stomach polyps are most often discovered when a healthcare professional does an exam for some other reason.

Most stomach polyps don’t become cancerous. But certain types can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Depending on the type of stomach polyp, treatment might involve removing the polyp or monitoring it for changes.

Stomach polyps usually don’t cause symptoms.

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

Symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness when the stomach is pressed.
• Nausea.
• Blood in the stool.
• Anemia.

See a healthcare professional if you have blood in your stool or other symptoms of stomach polyps.

The most common causes of stomach polyps are:

• Long-lasting stomach inflammation. Also known as gastritis, this condition can cause the growth of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Hyperplastic polyps are not likely to become cancerous, although those larger than about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) carry a greater risk.

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

• Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare syndrome runs in families. It causes certain cells on the stomach’s inner lining to form a type of polyp called a fundic gland polyp. When associated with this syndrome, fundic gland polyps are removed because they can become cancerous. Familial adenomatous polyposis also can cause adenomas.
• Regular use of certain stomach medicines. Fundic gland polyps are common among people who regularly take proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid. These polyps are generally small and aren’t a cause for concern.

  A fundic gland polyp with a diameter larger than about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) carries a small risk of becoming cancerous. A healthcare professional might recommend stopping proton pump inhibitors if possible; removing the polyp; or both.

Factors that increase the risk of forming stomach polyps include:

• Age. Stomach polyps are more common among people in mid-adulthood to late adulthood.
• Bacterial stomach infection. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a common cause of the gastritis that contributes to hyperplastic polyps and adenomas.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare syndrome runs in families. It increases the risk of colon cancer and other conditions, including stomach polyps.
• Certain medicines. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to fundic gland polyps. These are medicines used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Tests used to diagnose stomach polyps include:

• Endoscopy, to view the inside of the stomach with a scope.
• Tissue sample, also called a biopsy, which can be removed during endoscopy and examined in a lab.

Treatment depends on the type of stomach polyps someone has:

• Small polyps that aren’t adenomas. These polyps might not require treatment. They typically don’t cause symptoms and only rarely become cancerous. A healthcare professional might recommend occasional monitoring so that growing polyps or ones that cause symptoms can be removed.
• Large stomach polyps. These might need to be removed. Most stomach polyps can be removed during endoscopy.
• Adenomas. These polyps can become cancerous and are usually removed during endoscopy.
• Polyps associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. These are removed because they can become cancerous.

A healthcare professional will likely recommend follow-up endoscopy to check for polyps that have come back.

Treating H. pylori infection

For gastritis caused by H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, a care professional will likely recommend treatment with a combination of medicines, including antibiotics. Treating an H. pylori infection can make hyperplastic polyps disappear and might stop polyps from coming back.

You might start by first seeing someone on your healthcare team or you might be referred to a provider who specializes in the digestive system, called a gastroenterologist.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do beforehand, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, and when they began.
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
• All medicines, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses.
• Questions to ask during your appointment.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you’re given.

For stomach polyps, some questions to ask include:

• What’s likely causing my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What’s the best course of action?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

You’ll likely be asked a few questions about your symptoms, such as:

• Have your symptoms been happening often or do they happen now and then?
• How bad are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?
• Do you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps or familial adenomatous polyposis?
• Do you take medicines to reduce stomach acid?