Health condition
Gastric polyps
Gastric polyps are growths on the stomach lining, usually found incidentally at endoscopy; most are benign, and management depends on their type.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Usually symptomless and discovered during gastroscopy for other reasons
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Fundic gland polyps are common on long-term PPIs and are almost always harmless
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Adenomatous polyps carry malignant potential and are removed
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Specialist: a consultant gastroenterologist; biopsy determines type and whether H. pylori is present
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Finding a polyp during a gastroscopy is common and rarely sinister, but type matters. Fundic gland polyps, frequently associated with long-term acid-suppressing medication, are benign; hyperplastic polyps often accompany H. pylori gastritis and mostly behave well; adenomas, by contrast, are pre-cancerous and always warrant removal.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
Biopsy or removal establishes the histology, H. pylori is tested for and eradicated where present, and larger or adenomatous polyps are resected endoscopically. Surveillance endoscopy is reserved for the polyp types and settings, such as adenomas or extensive atrophic gastritis, where guidelines support it. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant gastroenterologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gastric polyps.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is gastric polyps?
Gastric polyps is a diagnosis used by clinicians to describe a specific pattern of symptoms or findings. It's usually confirmed after a proper assessment, since several conditions can look similar at first.
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Why does gastric polyps happen?
Gastric polyps can arise from several different underlying mechanisms, and in many cases more than one factor contributes. Identifying likely causes usually forms part of the initial specialist work-up.
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How would I know if I have gastric polyps?
Symptoms of gastric polyps vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.
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Can gastric polyps cause complications?
Most cases of gastric polyps are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.
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Is gastric polyps hereditary?
In most cases gastric polyps isn't straightforwardly inherited, though family history can sometimes be a relevant background factor. A clinician can help you understand whether it's worth mentioning relatives' health when being assessed.
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Is there a cure for gastric polyps?
Gastric polyps can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.
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How is gastric polyps treated?
Treatment for gastric polyps is usually built around the severity of your symptoms and any underlying cause found on assessment, and may involve lifestyle measures, medication, physiotherapy or, in some cases, a procedure. Your specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you before agreeing a plan.
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What's the outlook for gastric polyps?
The outlook for gastric polyps varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.
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Could gastric polyps be confused with another condition?
Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to gastric polyps, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.
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When should I see a doctor about gastric polyps, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of gastric polyps are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.