Can stomach polyps be cancerous?

Are you dealing with some unexpected abdominal pain, nausea, or bloody stool? Or have you recently gone for a routine checkup and been informed of the presence of intestinal polyps (small growths on the lining of your large intestines) in your stomach? Worry not because we are here to help clear all doubts about whether stomach polyps can turn into cancer.

Understanding Stomach polyps

In simple terms, stomach or more accurately, gastric polyp is an abnormal growth that occurs on the surface of our inner layer. And apparently they come in different shapes and sizes. Don’t raise your eyebrows yet! These mysterious lumps can either arise from our normal glands within the organ or show up anywhere as tumors.

Polyp types

  • Hyperplastic: boring domes found commonly in many people.
  • Inflammatory: ones who enjoy sticking themselves near inflamed areas.
  • Fundic glandular: ones who will never let go off their contact with acid-secreting chemicals cuz they “believe” these molecules give them prosperity!
    Some may even prefer staying flat rather than going round if given a choice – yep! The flat adenomas!

Though it seems innocent enough at first glance, hang around long enough and depending on which type they belong to drumroll please…they could actually become cancerous!!

Cancer Risk factors

Sadly getting older (le sigh), having H. pylori infection (a bacteria seen more often among those deficient in hygiene) & chronic inflammation caused by issues such as Crohn’s disease do increase one’s chances.

Other sources suggest that conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome(a rare condition characterized by gastrinomas(or little tumors), overproduction of gastrin resulting in imbalance gut chemical production)or are taking proton-pump inhibitors(anti-acid medicines used for reducing stomach acid levels) for prolonged periods does increase the risk of forming polyps that turn malignant.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in stool (never a good sign)
  • Weight loss

However there are usually no signs at all! Which is exactly why screening folks for those elusive polyps during regular colonoscopies especially if they indicate any high-risk factors will go a long way in catching them before causing bigger problems, like developing a cancerous tumor!

How often should one test?

Doctors advise doing this every 5 years when you’re past 50. However, what’s important is to find out from your healthcare provider which routine suits you best.

For some who have been experiencing symptoms like epigastric pains may require an endoscopic procedure,the removal and exams of these aforementioned lumps may be carried out -sounds easy right?

But first things first :

Diagnosis

Our experience helps us do it by looking intently where both our x-ray and video images taken via GI endoscopy can detect their presence.

In general,gastrointestinal biopsy(Imagine using snips to extract small tissue samples hmmmm…..gory), The pathologists thereafter checks under microscope guided observation whether tumorous masses are on their cancerous transformation quickly progresses..

Treatment:

Bottom line up front: Polyp-like growths given that they pose opportunities over risks would then need removing.
Polypectomy?Piece of Cake jajaja…just kidding;anyhow,some methods include
– Endoscopic mucosal resection during which abnormal cells removed thru scopes
-Polyp trapping,involves placing snares around offending lumps seen as visible projections through the tube’s visual guidance ,
Multiple neoplasms detected across larger areas-either partial gastrectomy(partial stomache removal)or wedge resections(shaped incisions like gears)

Conclusion

Well there you have it folks! Here’s a good time to take note that just as high cholesterol or blood pressure, gastric polyps and stomach malignancies are silent killers. Prevention is key: Schedule frequent medical screenings;scrupulous consumption of fried junk foods ,tilting more towards veggies which assists low risk for developing the disease(You’re welcome!!!)

If signs do show up – Do not hesitate- Book an appointment and find out answers from qualified professionals.

Better safe than sorry because…’Polyps may start small….they could become large

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