Overview
Stomach polyps are irregular growths of cells that form on the lining inside the stomach. These polyps are rare and usually don't cause any symptoms. Stomach polyps also are called gastric polyps.
Stomach polyps are most often discovered when a healthcare professional does an exam for some other reason.
Most stomach polyps don't become cancerous. But certain types can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Depending on the type of stomach polyp, treatment might involve removing the polyp or monitoring it for changes.
Stomach and pyloric valve
The stomach is a muscular sac about the size of a small melon that expands when you eat or drink. It holds as much as a gallon (3.8 liters) of food or liquid. Once the stomach breaks down the food, strong muscular contractions known as peristaltic waves push the food toward the pyloric valve. This valve leads to the upper portion of the small intestine, a segment known as the duodenum.
Symptoms
Stomach polyps usually don't cause symptoms.
But as a stomach polyp gets bigger, open sores called ulcers can develop on its surface. Rarely, the polyp can block the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.
Symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness when the stomach is pressed.
- Nausea.
- Blood in the stool.
- Anemia.
When to see a doctor
See a healthcare professional if you have blood in your stool or other symptoms of stomach polyps.
Causes
The most common causes of stomach polyps are:
- Long-lasting stomach inflammation. Also known as gastritis, this condition can cause the growth of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Hyperplastic polyps are not likely to become cancerous, although those larger than about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) carry a greater risk.
Adenomas are the least common type of stomach polyp but the type most likely to become cancerous. For that reason, they are usually removed.
- Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare syndrome runs in families. It causes certain cells on the stomach's inner lining to form a type of polyp called a fundic gland polyp. When associated with this syndrome, fundic gland polyps are removed because they can become cancerous. Familial adenomatous polyposis also can cause adenomas.
- Regular use of certain stomach medicines. Fundic gland polyps are common among people who regularly take proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid. These polyps are generally small and aren't a cause for concern.
A fundic gland polyp with a diameter larger than about 2/5 inch (1 centimeter) carries a small risk of becoming cancerous. A healthcare professional might recommend stopping proton pump inhibitors if possible; removing the polyp; or both.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of forming stomach polyps include:
- Age. Stomach polyps are more common among people in mid-adulthood to late adulthood.
- Bacterial stomach infection. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a common cause of the gastritis that contributes to hyperplastic polyps and adenomas.
- Familial adenomatous polyposis. This rare syndrome runs in families. It increases the risk of colon cancer and other conditions, including stomach polyps.
- Certain medicines. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to fundic gland polyps. These are medicines used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
