A stomach polyp is a growth in the lining of the stomach. There are many different types of polyps. The types are based on where they are and how they grow. Most of the polyps are not cancerous, but some can grow into cancer.

Common types of polyps:

Hyperplastic—most common
Fundic gland—found in the upper part of the stomach
Adenoma—most likely to later become stomach cancer (least common type)

Causes

Stomach polyps often start because of injury or irritation of the lining of the stomach. This may happen with:

Aging
Stomach acid levels that are too high or too low
Infections
Health conditions

Some stomach polyps may be caused by problems with your genes.

Risk Factors

Most stomach polyps are more likely to occur in older adults. Your chances of stomach polyps are also higher for:

Gastritis
Helicobacter pylori infection
Pernicious anemia
Gastric ulcers
Prior stomach surgery
Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD)
Long term use of medicines that lower acid in the stomach
Family history

Gastric Ulcer

Symptoms

Most stomach polyps don't cause problems.

Larger polyps may cause:

Belly pain
Blood in vomit or stool
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of hunger
Heartburn
Problems when you swallow

Diagnosis

Polyps are often found during images taken for other reasons. Your doctor may do more testing with:

Abdominal ultrasound
Upper GI endoscopy —a thin, lighted tube is placed in the mouth and moved into the stomach

Treatment

Most stomach polyps will not need to be treated. Small polyps that may have a risk of cancer will be watched. They may not need to be taken out.

Polyps that cause problems may need to be treated. This will depend on the size, number, and type of polyps.

They can be treated with:

Medication

Antibiotics may be used to help shrink the polyps.

Surgery

Large polyps or those with high risk of turning into cancer may be taken out. This can be done with:

Endoscopy
Gastrostomy —removal through a cut in the stomach wall
Partial gastrectomy —partial removal of the stomach to remove multiple polyps

Prevention

Not all polyps can be prevented. Follow your treatment plan if you have any conditions that increase your chances of stomach polyps.

RESOURCES:

American College of Gastroenterology
http://patients.gi.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org

Canadian Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.ca

References:

Non-cancerous tumours of the stomach. Canadian Cancer Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 15, 2018.

Shaib YH, Rugge M, Graham DY, Genta RM. Management of gastric polyps: an endoscopy approach. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;11(11):1374-1384.

The stomach: stomach polyps. Chicago Endoscopy Center website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 15, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 8/15/2018

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