What are stomach polyps? Also called gastric polyps, they are small growths protruding from your stomach lining. The occurrence of these masses is rare and they are usually benign. But some do develop into stomach cancer.
One cause for gastric polyps is your stomach lining responding to some sort damage. For instance, gastritis inflammation and H. pylori bacteria causing ulcers are contributors to their development. Also, taking proton pump inhibitors for extended period increases your risk. And stomach polyps are found in those with vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia caused by an autoimmune condition.
Typically, gastric polyps symptoms are non existent. Discovery of polyps in the stomach is often made during an exam for another digestive related complaint. Symptoms may occur with large polyps, causing:
- bleeding
- nausea, vomiting
- abdominal pain with pressure
Polyps in stomach treatment may be as simple as periodic monitoring. Polyps causing symptoms, large polyps or those deemed a risk for cancer can be removed during an endoscopy procedure. Then, treating any causes of gastritis helps prevent gastric polyp development in the future.