Stomach Polyps

Stomach polyps are small growths that can develop on the lining of the stomach. 

Stomach polyps or gastric polyps, are growths that develop on the inner lining of the stomach. They can vary in size and shape and may be solitary or multiple. They are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms, but in some cases, can become cancerous.

The exact cause of stomach polyps is not always clear. However,  factors like H. pylori infection, chronic inflammation, and genetic predisposition may contribute to their development.

What Causes Polyps in Your Stomach?

The exact cause of stomach polyps is not known, but they are thought to be related to inflammation or injury to the stomach lining. Certain conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and gastric polyposis syndrome, can also increase the risk of developing stomach polyps.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Polyps?

Stomach polyps rarely cause symptoms and are only discovered during an endoscopy or other diagnostic test.

However, as a stomach polyp grows, open sores called ulcers can appear on its surface. In rare cases, a polyp might obstruct the opening between your stomach and small intestine. Symptoms include:

·      Abdominal pain

·      Blood in your stool

·      Nausea

·      Anemia

What Foods to Avoid When You Have Stomach Polyps?

If you have stomach polyps, you may want to avoid foods that 

can irritate the stomach lining or cause acid reflux. This includes:

·      spicy foods

·      fatty foods

·      citrus fruits

·      tomato-based products

·      caffeine

What Foods Can Trigger Stomach Polyps?

Overeating red meat can cause colon polyps and cancer. To lower the risk of colon cancer, limit your consumption of red meat. Additionally, eating a diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing stomach polyps.

Can Acid Reflux Cause Stomach Polyps?

Researchers determined that all varieties of GERD are a risk factor for the emergence of various colon polyps, such as TA, HP, or SSA/P. However, there is no direct evidence that acid reflux causes stomach polyps.

Nonetheless, acid reflux can cause inflammation of the stomach lining. This may increase the risk of developing stomach polyps. 

Are Stomach Polyps Serious?

Most stomach polyps typically have low cancerous potential and are not a cause for concern. However, in rare cases, polyps can eventually develop into cancer over time. This is why it is important to have any polyps tested.

Do Stomach Polyps Need to be Removed?

Stomach polyps do not always need to be removed. If they are small and do not cause any symptoms, they can be left alone. However, if they are large, causing symptoms, or contain precancerous or cancerous cells, they may need to be removed.

What is the Best Treatment for Stomach Polyps?

Treatment is determined by the type of polyps present and their nature. It may include:

·      Additional polyp screenings for cancerous cells.

·      Stomach polyp removal

·      Treatment of associated conditions such as H. pylori infection or overuse of proton pump inhibitor.

Can Stomach Polyps be Prevented?

Stomach polyps cannot be prevented, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing them. This includes:

·      eating a balanced diet

·      managing stress

·      avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

When to Seek Further Medical Help

If you experience any symptoms of stomach polyps, such as abdominal pain, bleeding from the stomach, or anemia, you should seek medical help. 

Your healthcare provider can perform an endoscopy or other diagnostic test to determine if you have stomach polyps and if they need to be removed.