A clinical and histopathological study of gastric polyps in familial polyposis coli

Fundic gland area gastric polyps in familial polyposis coli (FPC) were compared with those in non-familial polyposis coli clinicopathologically to elucidate their histogenetic and biological characteristics. Some differences were observed in age, sex, and radiological and endoscopical features. Although the polyps were similar histologically, they showed an apparent histochemical difference between the two groups in periodic borohydride technique/potassium hydroxide/periodic acid-Schiff stain which demonstrates O-acylated sialic acid. The superficial and foveolar epithelium of the polyps was positive in 10 of 12 familial polyposis coli cases, while the epithelium was positive in only one of 13 non-familial polyposis coli cases with the same staining. These results suggest differences between the two groups in the degree of epithelial intestinal metaplasia. The presence of gastric polyps with O-acylated sialic acid therefore indicates the necessity of examination of the colorectum.