Fundic Gland Polyps: Concerns and Recommendations for Young Adults

Gastric fundic gland polyps

Hello Doctor, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a large hospital, and the physician who performed the procedure was different from the one I consulted afterward.
During the procedure, I was informed that there were polyps taken for biopsy, but I was not told how many.
Later, during the follow-up consultation, the doctor mentioned that they were fundic gland polyps and advised me not to worry, suggesting that I could have check-ups once every one to two years.
The doctor also stated that this was unrelated to whether I should undergo a colonoscopy.
However, I am quite concerned and asked how many polyps there were, and the doctor glanced at the report and said there were many.
After returning home, I became anxious after reading numerous articles mentioning a connection to familial polyposis.
Could you please clarify if the report stating "Few Is polyps (2-3 mm) at body" means there are many polyps? Additionally, I am only thirty years old and do not frequently take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); should I therefore undergo a colonoscopy? Is it common for someone my age to develop such polyps? Thank you.
Endoscopy Report:
Epigastralgia
Endoscope: GIF-H260-No844
Pre-medication: 10% Xylocaine local spray
Esophagus: Loosening of esophagocardiac junction, gastroesophageal flap valve Hill grade II.
Stomach: Mild mucosal hyperemia at antrum and body.
Few Is polyps (2-3 mm) at body, biopsy x2#.
Duodenum: Negative to second portion of duodenum.
Ampulla not observed.
Endoscopic diagnosis: Loosening of esophagocardiac junction, Hill grade II.
Gastritis, Superficial Polyp, Stomach s/p biopsy
Biopsy: Biopsies were taken from stomach.
Please check Helicobacter pylori.
Advice: Procedure-related complication: none.
Biopsy Report:
The specimen submitted consists of two tissue fragments, measuring up to 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.2 cm in size, fixed in formalin.
Grossly, they are gray and soft.
All for section.
Microscopically, it shows a picture of fundic gland polyp of the stomach composed of attenuated foveolar glands and proliferation of parietal and chief cells with focal dilated glands in the lamina propria.
No bacillus is seen in the superficial gastric pits by H&E stain.

N, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/31

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Small gastric polyps are a common occurrence.

Reply Date: 2023/03/31

More Info

Fundic gland polyps (FGPs) are a type of gastric polyp that typically arise from the fundic glands of the stomach. They are often benign and are associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), although they can also occur in individuals who do not use these medications. Your concern regarding the presence of multiple polyps and their implications is understandable, especially given the information you have read about familial polyposis syndromes.

From your endoscopic report, it states that there are "few polyps (2-3 mm) at body," which suggests that there are indeed a small number of polyps present. The term "few" typically indicates that there are not numerous polyps, but rather a limited quantity, which is generally not considered alarming. The size of the polyps (2-3 mm) is also relatively small, and most fundic gland polyps of this size are benign and do not require aggressive intervention.

Regarding your age, it is relatively uncommon for young adults, particularly those around 30 years old, to develop fundic gland polyps, especially if they are not on PPIs. However, the occurrence of these polyps can be sporadic and not necessarily indicative of a serious underlying condition. The association with familial polyposis syndromes is more relevant in cases where there is a family history of such conditions, or if the polyps are numerous and larger in size.

As for the need for a colonoscopy, the current medical guidelines do not recommend routine screening colonoscopy solely based on the presence of fundic gland polyps, especially in the absence of symptoms or a family history of colorectal cancer or polyposis syndromes. Since your gastroenterologist has indicated that the fundic gland polyps are not a cause for concern and that you should follow up with periodic endoscopies, it is likely that a colonoscopy is not necessary at this time. However, if you have any gastrointestinal symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of colorectal cancer, it would be prudent to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while the presence of fundic gland polyps can be concerning, the characteristics of your polyps (few in number and small in size) suggest that they are likely benign. Regular follow-up as advised by your physician is appropriate. If you have further concerns about your gastrointestinal health or the implications of these findings, consider discussing them with your gastroenterologist, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and current health status.

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