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K31.7 Gastric Polyp – ICD-10 Diagnosis Explained
K31.7 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for a polyp of the stomach. Gastric polyps are benign growths of the stomach lining, most often discovered incidentally.
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K31.7 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for a polyp of the stomach. Gastric polyps are benign growths of the stomach lining, most often discovered incidentally.
What is K31.7?
The ICD-10 code K31.7 refers to a polyp of the stomach (polypus ventriculi). This is a localised, abnormal tissue growth that protrudes above the surface of the gastric mucosa (the lining of the stomach). Gastric polyps are usually benign (non-cancerous) and are most commonly discovered incidentally during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy).
Causes and Risk Factors
The development of gastric polyps is associated with several factors:
- Hyperplastic changes: The most common cause of hyperplastic polyps is chronic irritation or inflammation of the gastric lining.
- Helicobacter pylori infection: Infection with this bacterium can promote the formation of hyperplastic polyps in the stomach.
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Prolonged acid-suppressing therapy is associated with the development of fundic gland polyps.
- Chronic gastritis: Ongoing inflammation of the stomach lining can encourage abnormal tissue growth.
- Genetic conditions: In rare cases, gastric polyps occur as part of hereditary polyposis syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Types of Gastric Polyps
There are several histological types of gastric polyps:
- Hyperplastic polyps: The most common type; usually benign with a low risk of malignant transformation.
- Fundic gland polyps: Very common, almost always benign, often associated with long-term PPI use.
- Adenomas: Less common but carry an increased risk of malignant transformation (pre-malignant lesion) and require careful management.
- Hamartomas: Occur in the context of genetic syndromes such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Symptoms
Gastric polyps usually do not cause symptoms and are found as an incidental finding. In some cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- Upper abdominal pain or a feeling of pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and digestive discomfort
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (rare), which may present as blood in the stool or anaemia
- Early satiety with larger polyps
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a gastric polyp is typically made during a gastroscopy (upper endoscopy). A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and oesophagus into the stomach to directly visualise the mucosal lining. During the procedure, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken and examined histologically (under a microscope). Histological analysis is essential to determine the type of polyp and assess any risk of malignant transformation.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type, size, and histological findings of the polyp:
- Watchful waiting: Small, benign fundic gland polyps often require no treatment, only regular endoscopic monitoring.
- Endoscopic removal (polypectomy): Larger polyps or adenomas can be removed during gastroscopy using a snare or forceps.
- Helicobacter pylori eradication: In confirmed H. pylori infection, antibiotic therapy can lead to regression of hyperplastic polyps.
- Medication adjustment: For PPI-associated polyps, discontinuation or dose reduction of proton pump inhibitors may be considered where medically appropriate.
- Surgical resection: In rare cases with suspected malignancy or very large polyps, surgical removal may be necessary.
Follow-up Care
After removal or diagnosis of gastric polyps, regular endoscopic follow-up examinations are recommended, particularly for adenomas or hyperplastic polyps. The interval and frequency of follow-up are determined by the individual findings and the treating physician guidance based on current clinical guidelines.
References
- Goddard AF et al. - Guidelines for the management of gastric polyps. Gut, 2010;59(9):1270–1276. DOI: 10.1136/gut.2009.182089
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Version 2019, K31.7 – Polyp of stomach. https://icd.who.int/browse10/2019/en#/K31.7
- Carmack SW et al. - The current spectrum of gastric polyps: a 1-year national study of over 120,000 patients. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2009;104(6):1524–1532.
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