Current Management of Benign Epithelial Gastric Polyps

Purpose of review Benign epithelial gastric polyps, although typically asymptomatic, are identified incidentally on upper endoscopy in up to 23% of patients. These include fundic gland, hyperplastic, and adenomatous polyps. Their appropriate characterization is critical as some have malignant potential, may be indicative of a gastric mucosal field defect, or may be related to an underlying polyposis syndrome. This review will discuss the current management of benign epithelial gastric polyps. Recent findings Association of gastric polyps with proton pump inhibitor use, Helicobacter pylori infection, risk of malignant transformation, and association with polyposis syndromes have been the focus of recent literature. Summary All symptomatic polyps, polyps larger than 1 cm in size, and polyps later found to contain dysplasia or cancer should be completely removed. Additionally, random biopsies from the intervening non-polypoid mucosa should be obtained. Finally, identification of multiple polyps of fundic gland type and/or concomitant dysplasia should raise suspicion for an underlying polyposis syndrome and prompt appropriate workup. Surveillance is generally only indicated if there is confirmed dysplasia and/or carcinoma within the polyp itself or if preneoplastic changes are identified in the non-polypoid gastric mucosa.