Are stomach polyps scary?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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As people's living conditions continue to improve and medical technology advances, the general public's demand for better health is increasing, correspondingly raising the rate of routine gastroscopic examinations. Therefore, the incidence of gastric polyps has significantly increased compared to the past. Discovering gastric polyps is not necessarily alarming. There are adenomatous polyps and hyperplastic polyps; only adenomatous polyps, if left untreated over a long period, might develop into malignant tumors. Generally, if polyps are detected and treated in a timely manner, there should be no issues. Polyps can be excised under gastroscopy, a procedure that is minimally invasive, quick, and has few side effects. After treatment, regular gastroscopic follow-ups can be conducted without major concerns.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Do you need anti-inflammatory medication after gastric polyp surgery?

The treatment of gastric polyps generally involves endoscopic removal. After the surgery, patients are usually advised to fast to protect the stomach and anti-inflammatory treatment is typically not necessary. Normal eating can usually resume after one to two days, and stomach protection might be appropriate for about 2 to 4 weeks, generally without the need for anti-inflammatory medication. Therefore, anti-inflammatory treatment is usually not necessary. The incidence of gastric polyps is increasing, and most patients do not exhibit specific symptoms. These polyps are often discovered incidentally during physical exams or gastroscopic examinations. Typically, gastric polyps are not large; those smaller than 0.5 cm can be observed, while those larger than 1 cm, or those that increase in size or number over time, can be treated endoscopically. Currently, endoscopic treatment of gastric polyps is a safe and effective method. Most of these polyps are benign, with fewer being malignant, so patients need not worry excessively.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Do inflammatory gastric polyps need to be removed?

Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical practice, and generally, patients do not exhibit specific symptoms. They are often discovered during physical examinations or incidental gastroscopic exams. When numerous or particularly large gastric polyps are present, a gastroscopic biopsy is usually conducted at the same time as the gastroscopy. If the pathology biopsy indicates that the polyp is an inflammatory gastric polyp, especially if it is small, less than 1 centimeter, we recommend regular observation without actively pursuing endoscopic removal. Some patients' inflammatory polyps may regress on their own. For treatment, one can choose gastric protective medication for symptomatic observation, with a gastroscopy follow-up every six months to a year. Of course, if the polyp is considered to be inflammatory and particularly large, greater than two centimeters, we recommend removal by endoscopy as a precautionary measure, despite the fact that the risk of cancer transformation in gastric polyps is relatively small but possible.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of gastric polyps

Gastric polyps are also relatively common in clinical practice, especially in gastroenterology outpatient clinics. Gastric polyps generally do not show symptoms, and are found in patients undergoing gastroscopic examinations or physical check-ups. Typically, gastric polyps are not large. However, a small proportion may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort, manifesting as hidden upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, belching, and so on. The treatment of gastric polyps can generally be divided into two types. For the first type, where the polyps are small, some less than 0.5 cm, regular observation can be adopted, with a gastroscopy performed every six months to a year. If the patient experiences abdominal discomfort, symptomatic treatment can be given, along with medications to protect the stomach and promote digestion. However, if the patient has multiple polyps, especially larger ones exceeding 1 cm, it is advisable to undergo a gastroscopic polypectomy, followed by regular follow-up visits. The results are generally good and there is no need for excessive concern.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Gastric polyps should see which department?

Gastric polyps are a common clinical symptom, generally handled in hospitals, and can be treated in the department of gastroenterology. First, if the gastric polyp is asymptomatic and small, it can be periodically observed with follow-up visits in the gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Second, if the gastric polyp is large and has complications such as bleeding on the surface, gastrointestinal endoscopy can be chosen for examination and endoscopic treatment in the department of gastroenterology. If the gastric polyp does not have other symptoms but is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, etc., symptomatic treatment in gastroenterology can be chosen, including pain relief and stomach protection. Therefore, if gastric polyps are found, the first choice is symptomatic treatment in gastroenterology, or endoscopic treatment can be selected.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can gastric polyps recur?

For patients with gastric polyps, it is necessary to regularly re-examine the gastroscopy to be alert for recurrence after endoscopic removal, as some patients are likely to relapse clinically. Therefore, it is mandatory for patients with gastric polyps to have a gastroscopy check every six months to a year. Of course, it is advised that patients further screen for Helicobacter pylori, and if Helicobacter pylori is positive, proactive anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment is recommended. Clinically, gastric polyps are relatively common and are usually benign lesions, so there is no need to overthink or bear a heavy psychological burden. Patients generally seek medical advice for abdominal discomfort and this is most commonly seen in the department of gastroenterology, presenting symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, belching, and even nausea. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients undergo thorough gastroscopic examination, as the diagnosis of gastric polyps mainly relies on gastroscopy.