II. Malignant potential of gastric polyps.

The malignant potential of gastric polyps is correlated to their features. The vast majority can be divided into two types: hyperplastic polyp and ademona. Hyperplastic polyp is composed of well-differentiated glands and rarely becomes malignant. It is small, smooth-surfaced, often multiple, and randomly distributed. Adenoma is composed of dysplastic glands and often becomes malignant. The small adenoma is flat-surfaced and slightly raised. The large adenoma is papillary and broad-based. Adenoma is usually single and located in the antrum. In either case, a separate independent carcinoma may be present in the same stomach.