What are the symptoms of having gastric polyps?

Gastric polyps present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the size, location, and surface characteristics of the polyps. Generally, smaller gastric polyps may be asymptomatic or cause only nonspecific symptoms such as mild epigastric discomfort, abdominal distension, nausea, loss of appetite, and indigestion. As the polyps grow larger, symptoms such as epigastric pain, a feeling of fullness, and weight loss may develop. If the surface of a polyp becomes eroded or ulcerated, it may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting as black tarry stools or positive fecal occult blood tests, and prolonged bleeding may lead to anemia. In addition, if a polyp located at the pylorus causes obstruction, symptoms such as vomiting and dietary restrictions may occur. Polyps in specific locations, such as those growing at the cardia, may cause dysphagia. It should be noted that gastric polyps have the potential for malignant transformation; therefore, timely medical evaluation and management are necessary once detected.