Do we need colonoscopy verification in patients with fundic gland polyp?

Clinical features of fundic gland polyps and their correlation with colorectal tumors

Fundic gland polyps (FGPs) are multiple, sessile polypoid bumps formed by the gastric mucosa of the fundus and body, which are the most common type of gastric polyps and generally tend to be benign. Studies have shown that patients with FGPs have a higher risk of developing colorectal tumors (adenoma and cancer) than the general population, but their correlation is still controversial. This article is aimed to review the clinical features of FGPs and their correlation with colorectal tumors.

Correlation between fundic gland polyps and colorectal neoplasms

AIM

To investigate the correlation between fundic gland polyps (FGPs) and colorectal neoplasms.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients who underwent both gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy during the period from May 2013 to May 2016 at the First Hospital of Jilin University were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into either an FGPs group (243 cases) or a control group (n = 486). SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis to assess the correlation between FGPs and colorectal neoplasms.

RESULTS

Colorectal neoplasms were detected in 19.8% (48/243) of patients with FGPs, while only in 8.8% (43/486) of the control group. The incidence of colorectal cancer was not significantly different (P = 0.67), while the incidence of colorectal adenoma was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that the incidence of colorectal neoplasms in the FGPs group was higher than in the control group in females and in patients aged more than 50 years (P < 0.001 for both). Stratified analysis of different parts of colorectal neoplasms suggested that the incidence of colorectal neoplasms in patients who were female or aged over 50 years in the FGPs group was significantly higher than that in the control group, regardless of the proximal colon, distal colon or rectum (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with FGPs, especially females or those aged over 50, have a higher risk for colorectal neoplasms. Colonoscopy is necessary in this group of patients.