Gastric Polyps

Gastric polyps are small growths on the lining of the stomach. Most are benign, but some types carry a small cancer risk or are linked to inflammation or acid-suppression medicines. Polyps are usually found during a gastroscopy (OGD) and are often biopsied or removed at the same time.

At The New Foscote Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment and onsite gastroscopy with biopsy and polypectomy where appropriate, followed by clear results and surveillance plans.

Referral: A referral from a Consultant or Private GP is required. This can be arranged through our in-house teams.

Endoscopy – Gastroscopy
Meet Our Consultants

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Symptoms

Gastric polyps often cause no symptoms and are found incidentally. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Indigestion or upper-abdominal discomfort
• Bloating, nausea or early fullness
• Iron-deficiency anaemia or black stools if a polyp bleeds
• Worsening reflux or unexplained fatigue (from chronic blood loss)

Seek urgent medical help if you have vomiting blood, black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting or signs of shock.

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Types Of Gastric Polyps

• Fundic Gland Polyps – often small and benign; sometimes associated with long-term acid-suppression medicines.
• Hyperplastic Polyps – linked to inflammation (e.g., gastritis, H. pylori). Small cancer risk; larger lesions are usually removed.
• Adenomas (Adenomatous Polyps) – less common but precancerous; removal and surveillance are recommended.
• Other Rare Types – e.g., inflammatory fibroid polyp; managed according to pathology.

Your consultant will explain the histology report and any need for follow-up.

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Causes And Risk Factors

• Chronic gastritis or H. pylori infection
• Long-term acid-suppression medication (fundic gland polyps)
• Autoimmune gastritis
• Family history or genetic polyposis syndromes (rare)

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Diagnosis At New Foscote Hospital

• Onsite Gastroscopy (OGD): visual identification of polyps with biopsy or polypectomy where suitable
• Pathology Analysis: confirms polyp type and any dysplasia (precancerous change)
• H. pylori Testing: stool, breath test or biopsy when indicated
• Blood Tests: check for anaemia or inflammation if symptoms suggest bleeding

Endoscopy – Gastroscopy
Imaging & Diagnostics

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Treatment

Management depends on size, number, appearance and histology:

• Polypectomy During Gastroscopy: many gastric polyps can be removed safely at the time of OGD.
• Biopsy And Surveillance: very small or multiple benign-appearing polyps may be sampled and watched.
• Treat The Cause: eradicate H. pylori and address gastritis; review long-term acid-suppression if appropriate (with your prescriber).
• Follow-Up Endoscopy: recommended for adenomas, larger hyperplastic polyps, or when dysplasia is reported.

Your consultant will outline the plan, including any surveillance interval.

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Recovery And Aftercare

• Most patients go home the same day after gastroscopy/polypectomy.
• Expect mild bloating or sore throat for 24–48 hours.
• If a polyp is removed, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity briefly and follow a soft diet for a day.
• We will contact you with pathology results and next steps.

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When To Seek Specialist Help

Book an assessment if you have:

• Ongoing indigestion, upper-abdominal pain or early fullness
• Unexplained anaemia, black stools or vomiting blood
• A previous report of gastric polyps and you need surveillance
• Long-term acid-suppression and new upper-GI symptoms

Early investigation provides clarity and guides safe management.