What should I do if a gastric polyp becomes cancerous?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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If gastric polyps undergo malignant transformation, we generally refer to it as malignant tumors of the stomach, commonly known as gastric cancer. However, treatment varies depending on the size and extent of the malignant transformation of the gastric polyps. Generally, endoscopic resection is the preferred method of treatment. However, if the gastric polyps have become significantly large or deeply infiltrative, we recommend surgical intervention, such as partial gastrectomy under laparoscopy. Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical settings, and most of them are benign. Of course, over time, a small percentage of patients may develop malignancy, commonly known as gastric cancer. Typically, for gastric cancer, endoscopic resection is the primary treatment choice, supplemented by laparoscopic surgery removal. Furthermore, if the patient shows lymphatic spread, it is considered progressive gastric cancer, and in addition to surgery, chemotherapy can be considered. Generally, the treatment outcomes for early-stage gastric cancer are quite favorable, hence it is recommended that patients pursue proactive treatment.

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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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Are there many people with gastric polyps?

Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical settings and have a higher incidence, so patients should not feel overly burdened psychologically. Clinically, gastric polyps are often identified when patients seek medical help for abdominal discomfort and undergo gastroscopy. The main symptoms include discomfort in the upper abdomen, such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and belching. Gastric polyps are generally considered benign lesions, and regular follow-up examinations are usually sufficient. During these follow-ups, if it is found that the polyps have increased in number or size, especially if they are larger than one centimeter, they can then be removed through endoscopic surgery. Most patients can tolerate this well and it is considered a safe and effective method for diagnosis and treatment, so patients should not be overly concerned or overthink the situation. The occurrence of gastric polyps is increasingly observed clinically, primarily through gastroscopy, and it is recommended to undergo a gastroscopy every six months to a year for follow-up.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Should gastric polyps be removed?

Gastric polyps are relatively common in clinical practice. For patients with gastric polyps, regular follow-up visits are the main focus, especially when the polyps are small, and particularly when they are less than 0.5 centimeters in size. We recommend that these patients have regular follow-up appointments, with a gastroscopy examination about every six months to a year being appropriate. Of course, if a patient has a history of gastric cancer and develops gastric polyps, especially larger ones over 1 centimeter in size, we recommend aggressive endoscopic removal. After removal, the polyps should be sent for examination to clarify their nature. Subsequent regular follow-up appointments are also necessary, typically involving a gastroscopy check every six months to a year. If gastric polyps continue to form, aggressive endoscopic removal treatment is advised. Therefore, treatment choices for gastric polyps vary depending on the size, location, and nature of the polyp, with regular follow-up as the primary approach and endoscopic removal when necessary.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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
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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.