Can Gastric Adenomas Be Completely Cured?

Gastric adenomas are benign tumors that develop from the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. These growths typically appear as elevated or polypoid lesions on the surface of the stomach lining. They often originate in the gastric pits and are surrounded by normal mucosa. Composed mainly of proliferating mucous glands, they are also known as polypoid adenomas. While they can occur at any age, gastric adenomas are most commonly found in men over the age of 40.

Early diagnosis and removal are key to preventing malignancy. Once a gastric adenoma is confirmed, prompt surgical removal is the primary method to prevent potential cancerous changes. In most cases, there is no need for partial gastrectomy. For adenomas smaller than 2 cm, endoscopic resection is usually sufficient, eliminating the need for open surgery. For larger adenomas exceeding 2 cm, localized removal of the tumor is recommended. If preoperative pathology confirms no signs of malignancy, a complete cure can often be achieved by simply removing the adenoma itself.

Malignant transformation is possible, particularly at the tip of the polyp. When gastric adenomas undergo cancerous changes, the malignancy is often confined to the upper part of the lesion. It's crucial to distinguish between in situ cancer and invasive cancer when determining treatment. Some experts suggest that for pedunculated adenomas with high differentiation and no residual cancer at the resection margin, close monitoring may be sufficient without further radical surgery.

However, if cancer has invaded the submucosa, the risk of metastasis increases. Many medical professionals advocate for radical surgery once there is evidence of submucosal invasion. This is because the likelihood of lymph node metastasis rises significantly at this stage. Therefore, early detection and removal remain the best strategies for achieving a full recovery and preventing the progression of gastric adenomas into more serious conditions.