What Is a Polyp?

By albert

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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A polyp is a small-sized, projecting growth that usually looks like a mushroom or a bump on the mucous membranes. Pathologically speaking, there are two main types of polyps: sessile and pedunculated. If the polyp is attached to the mucous membrane in a stalk, it is referred to as pedunculated. If there is no stalk, it is sessile.

The most common place where polyps grow is the colon, but they can also be found in other places including the stomach, ear canal, urinary bladder, cervix, uterus, small intestine, and vocal cords. Polyps can also appear in any other part of the body that has mucous membranes. Most polyps are benign. However, with time, they may turn pre-malignant or malignant.

1. Symptoms of Polyp

Usually, having polyps is asymptomatic until it becomes very advanced. In many cases, polyps are found while performing other tests and operations, or treating other medical conditions. If your family has a history of polyps, or you have risk factors, your doctor may suggest that you undergo routine screening. When the condition is discovered early, there is a big chance of removing all the polyps without any complications. The symptoms of polyps depend on where they are. For example, people having colon polyps usually experience blood in stools, abdominal pain, changes in the color and consistency of stool, iron deficiency anemia, and changes in bowel habits.