Introduction
A stomach polyp is also called a gastric polyp. They are seen as a cluster of cells in the lining of the stomach. These are rare, asymptomatic, and usually do not cause any pain or harm. Most of the time, a stomach polyp is not cancerous, but there are times when it may turn out to be cancerous as well. Researchers and other experts are not yet fully aware of the causes or the symptoms of a stomach polyp. Hence an early diagnosis of a stomach polyp can be challenging.
What Are Stomach Polyps?
A stomach polyp is an unusual or abnormal growth of cells that are found in the lining of the stomach. Depending on their location in the stomach, and whether they are found in a bunch or not, stomach polyps are classified into many types. Recent studies show that stomach polyps are found more in the upper part of the stomach. These are usually benign lesions (not cancerous) with sizes of less than 2cm. Studies also show that stomach polyps are common in people who have undergone an endoscopy.
What Are the Types of Stomach Polyps?
Stomach polyps are classified into two based on whether they are benign or malignant(whether they are cancerous or not),;
Neoplastic Stomach Polyps: Those which have a greater risk of becoming cancerous.
Non- neoplastic Stomach Polyps: Those polyps that are not cancerous.
Epithelial stomach polyps are the most common of these types. Epithelial cells are divided into three;
1. Fundic Gland Polyps: Being the most common type of stomach polyps, they constitute about forty-seven percent of stomach polyps. They occur when the acid-producing cells in the stomach become dilated and irregularly clustered. They are found in the fundus or the upper part of the stomach. On endoscopic examination, they are seen as many in number and appear as small, smooth flat bumps. Fundic gland polyps very rarely develop into cancerous ones. They are often linked with the use of proton pump inhibitors. In such cases, proton pump inhibitors can be avoided or substituted with other drugs.
2. Hyperplastic Polyps: They usually appear in bunches, and are found all over the stomach. They are usually sessile (do not have a stalk and are flat) or pedunculated(hang from a stalk and are easy to remove). They are usually small with a diameter of less than 2cm. They are also found near stomach ulcers. Studies show an association between hyperplastic polyps and conditions that may irritate or cause inflammation of the stomach lining like gastritis, H.pylori infections, pernicious anemia, etc. (Inflammation of the stomach lining is termed gastritis. A decrease in the red blood cells due to which there is a deficiency of Vit.B12 is termed pernicious anemia). If the H.pylori infection present is treated and cured, hyperplastic polyps are seen to resolve. The risk of cancer associated with hyperplastic polyps is very less, but there is an increased risk of the stomach wall being cancerous. This is especially true if the patient suffers from chronic gastritis. Multiple biopsies are usually recommended to rule out malignancy of the stomach lining.
3. Adenomatous Polyps: They are also called gastric polypoid dysplasia. They are usually associated with atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. These are the most common type of neoplastic polyps found near the bottom of the stomach called the antrum. They are likely to be the beginning of stomach cancer. They can be suggestive of an increased risk of cancer in the intestines or other parts of the body. Since it is neoplastic in nature, all adenomatous polyps should be removed completely. An endoscopic follow-up is highly recommended after the resection.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Polyps?
Stomach polyps are generally formed as a response to some kind of damage to the stomach lining. Some of the common causes of stomach polyps include;
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Long-Lasting Stomach Inflammation: These can cause the formation of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Adenomas are the least common type of stomach polyps. However, they are the most potent to become cancerous.
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Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: This is a rare inherited condition that can make some cells in the lining of the stomach form fundic gland polyps. If fundic gland polyps are found along with this condition, they are removed as they tend to become cancerous.
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Regular Use of Certain Medications: Certain medications like proton pump inhibitors can cause the formation of stomach polyps. They are usually small and may not require attention.
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H.pylorus Infection: An association has been found between H.pylorus and stomach polyps. Chronic H.pylorus infections can lead to the formation of stomach ulcers, which have a link with stomach polyps.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Polyps?
Stomach polyps do not exhibit any symptoms of their own. They are usually diagnosed along with some other stomach condition. Larger polyps may cause bleeding or abdominal pain. The commonly seen symptoms in polyps that are symptomatic include;
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Indigestion.
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Acid reflux.
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Heartburn.
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Feeling full quickly.
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Abdominal pain.
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Gastric bleeding.
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Iron deficiency.
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Tiredness.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Stomach Polyps?
The risk factors to develop a stomach polyp includes;
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Age: Stomach polyps are common in middle age to the elderly.
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Bacterial Stomach Infection: Chronic H.pylorus infections can lead to the formation of stomach polyps.
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Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: This is a rare inherited condition that increases the risk of colon cancer and other stomach conditions like stomach polyps.
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Certain Medicines: Prolonged use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors can cause the formation of stomach polyps.
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Unhealthy Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle without proper exercise can lead to the formation of stomach polyps.
How Are Stomach Polyps Diagnosed?
Since stomach polyps do not show any symptoms, their diagnosis is very challenging. They are usually diagnosed while doing an endoscopy for some other stomach condition. While the majority of stomach polyps are harmless, biopsies of the suspicious ones are taken during the endoscopic procedure.
How Are Stomach Polyps Treated?
The treatment of stomach polyps depends upon the type of polyp. Smaller harmless ones are left behind, while biopsies of those who are suspicious are taken during the endoscopic procedure. Larger polyps or the ones that look different from the normal ones are usually removed during the endoscopic procedure.
Conclusion
Studies show that majority of the stomach polyps are harmless, and may not require attention. But the potential to become cancerous has to be identified and removed. Since the condition is most often asymptomatic, their diagnosis can be challenging.
