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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 7, 2008; 14(9): 1318-1320
Published online Mar 7, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.1318
Proton pump inhibitors and an emerging epidemic of gastric fundic gland polyposis
Hugh James Freeman
Hugh James Freeman, Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1W5, Canada
Author contributions: Freeman HJ contributed all to this paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Hugh James Freeman, MD, FRCPC, FACP, Department of Medicine Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1W5, Canada. hugfree@shaw.ca
Telephone: +1-604-8227216
Fax: +1-604-8227236
Received: November 10, 2007
Revised: January 10, 2008
Published online: March 7, 2008
Abstract

Fundic gland polyps are now commonly recognized during endoscopy. These polyps are benign, often multiple and usually detected in the gastric body and fundus. In the past, these polyps were sometimes associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. In recent years, it has become evident that increasing numbers of these polyps are being detected during endoscopic studies, particularly in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors for prolonged periods. In some, dysplastic changes in these polyps have also been reported. Recent studies have suggested that there may be no increase in risk of colon cancer with long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy. While temporarily reassuring, ongoing vigilance, particularly in those genetically predisposed to colon cancer, is still warranted.

Keywords: Gastric polyps; Fundic gland polyposis; Gastric dysplasia; Gastric cancer; Colon polyps; Familial polyposis coli; Adenomatous polyposis coli gene mutation