Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Are They Serious?
Role of Endoscopy
Treatment to Remove Polyps
Dietary Considerations
Monitoring
Stomach polyps, also called gastricpolyps, are abnormal tissue growths that develop in your stomach lining. Over 85% of stomach polyps are benign (noncancerous), and many don’t cause any symptoms. However, some stomach polyps are a sign ofgastric cancer.
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Are Stomach Polyps Serious or Benign?
Most stomach polyps are benign and asymptomatic. However, some stomach polyps are malignant (cancerous) and can lead to serious health complications.
Epithelial polyps are found in the uppermost layer of your stomach lining. Risks associated with the three most common types of stomach polyps, all of which are epithelial polyps, are:
Causes and Risk Factors
In addition to the above causes, some of the risk factors that may increase your chance of developing stomach polyps include:
Stomach polyps are usually diagnosed via a procedure called anesophagogastroduodenoscopies(EGDs), or upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies. An EGD is a form of endoscopic ultrasound that uses a long, thin tube called an endoscope and ultrasound technology to examine the upper GI tract. Stomach polyps are discovered in approximately 1% to 3% of upper GI endoscopies.
Depending on the type, number, and size of the polyps you have, your healthcare provider may also perform a biopsy. During your endoscopy, they may remove some tissue from a polyp to be tested for signs of malignancy.
What Do Stomach Polyps Look Like?Stomach polyps vary in size, number, and appearance based on type. Examples include:Adenomatous polyps: Adenomas are usually found on their own rather than in clusters. They are usually over 1 centimeter (cm) wide.FGPs:FGPs usually appear in groups. They are typically transparent,sessile(flat), and small—often less than 8 millimeters (mm) across.GHPs:Typically less than 2 cm in diameter, hyperplastic polyps may appear alone or in groups. Some are sessile, but others are pedunculated, meaning that they are attached to a “stalk.” They may appear red and inflamed.
What Do Stomach Polyps Look Like?
Stomach polyps vary in size, number, and appearance based on type. Examples include:Adenomatous polyps: Adenomas are usually found on their own rather than in clusters. They are usually over 1 centimeter (cm) wide.FGPs:FGPs usually appear in groups. They are typically transparent,sessile(flat), and small—often less than 8 millimeters (mm) across.GHPs:Typically less than 2 cm in diameter, hyperplastic polyps may appear alone or in groups. Some are sessile, but others are pedunculated, meaning that they are attached to a “stalk.” They may appear red and inflamed.
Stomach polyps vary in size, number, and appearance based on type. Examples include:
Symptoms Based on Polyp Size
Most stomach polyps are asymptomatic. This is especially true of fundic gland polyps, which tend to be small. However, certain polyps—especially those with a diameter of 1 cm or more—cause symptoms. You may experience:
Not all stomach polyps require treatment. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment approaches based on the size of the polyps and the likelihood of malignancy.
Surgery to remove a gastric polyp is called a polypectomy. It’s typically minimally invasive and can often be performed during anendoscopy.
With Benign Biopsy Results
If your stomach polyps are benign, your healthcare provider may still choose to remove them during your endoscopy if they are on the larger side. Some clinical recommendations suggest that polyps larger than 0.5 cm across should be removed, while others set the threshold at 1 cm or 2 cm.
With Cancerous Biopsy Results
Stomach polyps that are found to be cancerous or that have a higher likelihood of becoming cancerous over time are usually surgically removed.
This includes adenomas, large hyperplastic polyps, and fundic gland polyps that are linked tofamilial adenomatous polyposis. These are more likely than other FGPs to become malignant.
Potential Complications of PolypectomyPolypectomy is a safe procedure for most people. The most common complication of polypectomy is excessive bleeding. Perforation of surrounding organs and tissues, which may lead to infection, is a rare but possible complication.
Potential Complications of Polypectomy
Polypectomy is a safe procedure for most people. The most common complication of polypectomy is excessive bleeding. Perforation of surrounding organs and tissues, which may lead to infection, is a rare but possible complication.
Special Dietary Considerations
Many people wonder if dietary changes may help to prevent or treat stomach polyps (or the conditions that sometimes cause them, such as gastritis). For example, some people with stomach polyps choose to avoid:
However, research suggests that consuming these foods and beverages may not actually be linked to a higher risk of stomach polyps. If you have questions about your diet, contact aregistered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)for advice.
After being diagnosed with stomach polyps, you may need to visit with agastroenterologistfor follow-up visits and ongoing monitoring. However, this isn’t always the case. Asymptomatic fundic gland polyps do not typically require a follow-up, unless you have an underlying condition like familial adenomatous polyposis.
If you have stomach polyps, your healthcare provider may recommend another examination and endoscopy within six months to make sure that the polyps are gone and any signs ofH. pyloriinfection have cleared up.
Lastly, after getting an adenoma removed, you’ll most likely need to undergo a second esophagogastroduodenoscopy one year later to ensure that it hasn’t returned.
Summary
While stomach polyps, or gastric polyps, are usually benign and asymptomatic, they sometimes become cancerous over time.
During an upper GI endoscopy, your healthcare provider may remove stomach polyps if they are large or show signs of potential malignancy. They may recommend undergoing a follow-up endoscopy to ensure the polyps are entirely gone.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yacoub H, Bibani N, Sabbah M, et al.Gastric polyps: A 10-year analysis of 18,496 upper endoscopies.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):70. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02154-8Islam RS, Patel NC, Lam-Himlin D, Nguyen CC.Gastric polyps: A review of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features and management decisions.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013;9(10):640-51Costa D, Ramai D, Tringali A.Novel classification of gastric polyps: The good, the bad and the ugly.World J Gastroenterol. 2024;30(31):3640-3653. doi:10.3748/wjg.v30.i31.3640Bouhairie MM, Elseblani R, Lakis R, Hallal M.Gastric polyps in long-term proton pump inhibitor use: Identification of risks and characteristics.Cureus. 2024;16(6):e62365. doi:10.7759/cureus.62365Wang FW, Young SC, Chen RY, et al.The prevalence and risk factors of gastric polyp in asymptomatic patients receiving health examination.Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2018;2018:9451905. doi:10.1155/2018/9451905American Cancer Society.How is a biopsy done?National Health Service.Stomach ulcer - complications. Last updated: January 14, 2022.Waldum H, Fossmark R.Gastritis, gastric polyps and gastric cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6548. doi:10.3390/ijms22126548
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yacoub H, Bibani N, Sabbah M, et al.Gastric polyps: A 10-year analysis of 18,496 upper endoscopies.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):70. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02154-8Islam RS, Patel NC, Lam-Himlin D, Nguyen CC.Gastric polyps: A review of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features and management decisions.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013;9(10):640-51Costa D, Ramai D, Tringali A.Novel classification of gastric polyps: The good, the bad and the ugly.World J Gastroenterol. 2024;30(31):3640-3653. doi:10.3748/wjg.v30.i31.3640Bouhairie MM, Elseblani R, Lakis R, Hallal M.Gastric polyps in long-term proton pump inhibitor use: Identification of risks and characteristics.Cureus. 2024;16(6):e62365. doi:10.7759/cureus.62365Wang FW, Young SC, Chen RY, et al.The prevalence and risk factors of gastric polyp in asymptomatic patients receiving health examination.Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2018;2018:9451905. doi:10.1155/2018/9451905American Cancer Society.How is a biopsy done?National Health Service.Stomach ulcer - complications. Last updated: January 14, 2022.Waldum H, Fossmark R.Gastritis, gastric polyps and gastric cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6548. doi:10.3390/ijms22126548
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yacoub H, Bibani N, Sabbah M, et al.Gastric polyps: A 10-year analysis of 18,496 upper endoscopies.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):70. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02154-8Islam RS, Patel NC, Lam-Himlin D, Nguyen CC.Gastric polyps: A review of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features and management decisions.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013;9(10):640-51Costa D, Ramai D, Tringali A.Novel classification of gastric polyps: The good, the bad and the ugly.World J Gastroenterol. 2024;30(31):3640-3653. doi:10.3748/wjg.v30.i31.3640Bouhairie MM, Elseblani R, Lakis R, Hallal M.Gastric polyps in long-term proton pump inhibitor use: Identification of risks and characteristics.Cureus. 2024;16(6):e62365. doi:10.7759/cureus.62365Wang FW, Young SC, Chen RY, et al.The prevalence and risk factors of gastric polyp in asymptomatic patients receiving health examination.Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2018;2018:9451905. doi:10.1155/2018/9451905American Cancer Society.How is a biopsy done?National Health Service.Stomach ulcer - complications. Last updated: January 14, 2022.Waldum H, Fossmark R.Gastritis, gastric polyps and gastric cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6548. doi:10.3390/ijms22126548
Yacoub H, Bibani N, Sabbah M, et al.Gastric polyps: A 10-year analysis of 18,496 upper endoscopies.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):70. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02154-8
Islam RS, Patel NC, Lam-Himlin D, Nguyen CC.Gastric polyps: A review of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features and management decisions.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013;9(10):640-51
Costa D, Ramai D, Tringali A.Novel classification of gastric polyps: The good, the bad and the ugly.World J Gastroenterol. 2024;30(31):3640-3653. doi:10.3748/wjg.v30.i31.3640
Bouhairie MM, Elseblani R, Lakis R, Hallal M.Gastric polyps in long-term proton pump inhibitor use: Identification of risks and characteristics.Cureus. 2024;16(6):e62365. doi:10.7759/cureus.62365
Wang FW, Young SC, Chen RY, et al.The prevalence and risk factors of gastric polyp in asymptomatic patients receiving health examination.Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2018;2018:9451905. doi:10.1155/2018/9451905
American Cancer Society.How is a biopsy done?
National Health Service.Stomach ulcer - complications. Last updated: January 14, 2022.
Waldum H, Fossmark R.Gastritis, gastric polyps and gastric cancer.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6548. doi:10.3390/ijms22126548
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