Are stomach polyps likely to lead to stomach cancer?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 06, 2024

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Gastric polyps are precancerous lesions of gastric cancer, posing a significant risk of developing gastric cancer. There are several types of gastric polyps, including fundic gland polyps, hyperplastic polyps, and adenomatous polyps. Adenomatous polyps, in particular, have a higher rate of malignant transformation, with 11% of patients developing gastric cancer through dysplastic growth over four years. Therefore, patients with gastric polyps should undergo early removal under gastroscopy, followed by pathological classification. After treatment, regular gastroscopic examinations are necessary. It is also important to adjust the diet, avoid eating moldy food, and reduce consumption of salty and pickled foods, while increasing intake of fresh foods, fresh green vegetables, and fruits, and maintaining a positive mental attitude.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 27sec

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Do gastric polyps require surgery?

Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical settings. Generally, patients do not exhibit symptoms and discover the condition either during physical examinations or incidental gastroscopic examinations. Of course, a small portion of patients may experience certain gastrointestinal symptoms, manifesting as dull pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, etc. The treatment for gastric polyps generally varies depending on the location, size, and number of the polyps. If the polyps are small, particularly less than 0.5 cm, it is recommended that patients undergo regular observations and gastroscopic examinations every six months to a year. If there are no significant changes in the polyps, symptomatic treatment may not be immediately necessary. However, if the polyps are larger, especially if they are numerous or larger than 1 cm, it is advisable for patients to have them removed via gastroscopy for biopsy to rule out the possibility of malignant changes. Therefore, for patients with gastric polyps, it is recommended to have regular follow-ups and consider endoscopic removal, which is generally a relatively safe procedure that should not be overly worrisome.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 17sec

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Must gastric polyps be surgically removed?

Gastric polyps do not necessarily require surgical removal; regular follow-up appointments can be sufficient. Clinically, gastric polyps are generally small, especially those under 0.5 cm, and we primarily focus on regular check-ups, performing a gastroscopy every six months to a year. Of course, if the polyps increase in size or number, particularly those larger than 1 cm, we recommend removal via endoscopy. Generally, gastric polyps are benign lesions, so there is no need for excessive worry. They are commonly observed in clinical practice and most patients do not exhibit any specific symptoms. However, a small number of patients might experience stomach discomfort, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, belching, or indigestion, among other issues. Therefore, in terms of treatment, besides endoscopic removal or regular observation, symptomatic relief can also be achieved with the use of gastroprotective medication if the patient exhibits certain symptoms. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 11sec

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How often should gastric polyps be rechecked?

Patients with gastric polyps are generally advised to have a gastroscope re-examination every six months to a year. If the polyp does not grow during the swelling process, and remains roughly the same, we recommend continuing with follow-up. Of course, if the polyps increase in number or size, especially if larger than one centimeter, we recommend timely endoscopic removal. Gastric polyps are actually a common condition clinically, and patients generally do not have any specific symptoms. Most patients discover the polyps incidentally during a gastroscopy. Most gastric polyps we find are benign, but a small proportion of patients may progress to cancer over time. Therefore, patients with gastric polyps do not need to be overly concerned, just undergo regular gastroscopic re-examinations, and perform gastroscopic removal when necessary. The exact cause of gastric polyp formation is not clear, and patients may undergo further tests, such as screening for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori infection is detected, we recommend treatment for Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

35sec

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How to control and treat gastric polyps.

The treatment of gastric polyps includes minimally invasive polyp removal via endoscopy and surgical treatment. If the polyp is small and pedunculated, it can be removed by endoscopy. After removal, treatments to suppress stomach acid and protect the stomach lining are administered. If the polyp is large and sessile, making endoscopic removal difficult, surgical intervention may be necessary. After the removal of the polyp, it is routine to conduct pathological tests, and regular follow-up gastroscopies are necessary to confirm whether there is a recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 21sec

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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.