Can gastric polyps recur?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 17sec home-news-image

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 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
1min 11sec home-news-image

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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Do gastric polyps always need to be removed?

Gastric polyps first require a gastroscopy examination, combined with pathological examination to determine the nature of the lesion, because there are many types of gastric polyps, such as hyperplastic polyps, inflammatory polyps, hamartomatous polyps, fundic gland polyps, and adenomatous polyps, etc. After a definitive diagnosis, symptomatic treatment can be applied. Common inflammatory or hyperplastic polyps are related to Helicobacter pylori infection. If they are relatively small, eradication of Helicobacter pylori and regular follow-up can be performed. If the polyps are adenomatous, they generally have a family history, and there is a possibility of malignancy in such cases, generally requiring removal via gastroscopy. Additionally, if the polyp exceeds two centimeters in size, regardless of the type, removal is generally advocated.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can stomach polyps be ignored?

Gastric polyps should not be ignored. If gastric polyps are detected, it is recommended to promptly undergo an endoscopic polypectomy. Typically, when a gastroscopy is performed and gastric polyps are discovered, a biopsy is necessary to conduct a pathological examination to determine the nature of the gastric polyps. Common types of gastric polyps include inflammatory and adenomatous, the latter being more common. Adenomatous polyps have a certain potential for malignant transformation and can easily develop into adenocarcinoma. Therefore, upon discovering gastric polyps, regardless of the type, timely endoscopic polypectomy should be performed to prevent the potential for malignant transformation of the polyps. Additionally, in the presence of gastric polyps, the diet should be light and easily digestible. Foods that are greasy, rich, or difficult to digest should be avoided.