Gastrointestinal growths: Types, indications, origins, remedies
Stomach Polyps: Understanding the Risks and Types
Stomach polyps, also known as gastric polyps, are tissue growths that form inside a person's stomach. These growths are relatively common, with approximately 2-6% of people who undergo an endoscopy having them [1].
There are several different types of stomach polyps, each with its own potential causes. For instance, gastric hyperplastic polyps (GHP) form when the stomach produces too many mucus-secreting cells. Fundic gland polyps (FGP) occur due to the stomach's acid-producing cells becoming dilated and irregularly bundled. Adenomatous polyps form when some of the cells in a person's stomach develop in unusual but noncancerous ways [2].
Risk factors for developing stomach polyps include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a bacteria that infects the stomach lining and contributes to inflammation and stomach changes.
- Chronic gastritis or long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Family history or genetic predisposition, including a family history of stomach cancer or genetic conditions that increase gastrointestinal cancer risk.
- Smoking, which increases the risk for stomach changes including polyps.
- A diet high in salty, smoked, or processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables.
- Older age (typically 65 and older).
- History of stomach ulcers or previous stomach polyps.
Additional lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol use, obesity, and stomach inflammation are also linked to stomach cancer risk, which is related to stomach polyp development [3].
FGPs are more likely to form in people who regularly use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which suppress stomach acid secretion [2]. The suppression of stomach acid secretion may also cause FGPs, and dietary changes might affect FGPs, but no existing research suggests that dietary interventions are safe and effective treatment options for stomach polyps.
Although most stomach polyps are harmless, some stomach polyps occur due to the presence of cancerous cells. If a polyp is found during an endoscopy, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the type of stomach polyp and its potential malignancy.
If stomach polyps are asymptomatic and not cancerous, there may be no need for any form of treatment. However, if symptoms such as indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, stomach pain, feeling full quickly, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, iron deficiency, fatigue occur, it is important to seek medical advice [1].
In summary, the main risk factors for stomach polyps revolve around infection with H. pylori, chronic stomach inflammation, genetic predisposition, smoking, and an unhealthy diet. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of developing stomach polyps.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stomach polyps. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-polyps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371672
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Stomach polyps. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/stomach-polyps.html
[3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Stomach polyps. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/hp/stomach-polyps-fact-sheet
- Understanding the types of stomach polyps is crucial, as some may contain cancerous cells, requiring a biopsy for confirmation and potential treatment.
- The American Cancer Society highlights that fundic gland polyps, a type of gastric polyp, may form more frequently in individuals who regularly use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Oncology studies have linked stomach cancer risk to factors like H. pylori infection, chronic gastritis, genetic predisposition, smoking, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and stomach inflammation, all of which are associated with an increased risk of stomach polyp development.
- In the realm of health and wellness, gastrointestinal medical conditions, such as stomach polyps, can be managed or prevented by addressing lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding smoking, which may contribute to their development.
