Polyp (medicine): Difference between revisions

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Polyp (medicine)

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. Polyps are commonly found in organs with a large surface area of mucous membrane, such as the colon, stomach, nose, sinuses, urinary bladder, and uterus. While most polyps are benign, some can develop into cancer.

Types of Polyps

Polyps can be classified based on their histological appearance and their potential for malignancy.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. They are common in adults and can be classified into several types:

Adenomatous polyps: These are the most common type of polyp and have the potential to become cancerous. They are further divided into tubular, tubulovillous, and villous types.

Hyperplastic polyps: These are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.

Sessile serrated adenomas: These polyps have a saw-tooth appearance under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed.

Gastric Polyps

Gastric polyps are found in the stomach and can be classified into several types:

Fundic gland polyps: These are the most common type of gastric polyp and are usually benign.

Hyperplastic polyps: These are associated with chronic inflammation and have a low risk of malignancy.

Adenomatous polyps: These are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.

Other Types of Polyps

Polyps can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the nasal cavity, sinuses, bladder, and uterus. Each type of polyp has its own characteristics and potential for malignancy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Polyps are often diagnosed during routine screening procedures such as colonoscopy or endoscopy. Once identified, polyps can be removed and examined histologically to determine their type and potential for malignancy.

Colonoscopy: A procedure used to examine the interior of the colon and rectum, often used to detect and remove polyps.

Endoscopy: A procedure used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body, such as the stomach or bladder.

Related Pages

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-{{Short description|An overview of polyps in medicine}}
+== Polyp (medicine) ==
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Overview==
 A '''polyp''' is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. Polyps are commonly found in organs with a large surface area of mucous membrane, such as the [[colon]], [[stomach]], [[nose]], [[sinuses]], [[urinary bladder]], and [[uterus]]. While most polyps are benign, some can develop into [[cancer]].
-==Types of Polyps==
+== Types of Polyps ==
-Polyps can be classified based on their histological appearance and location. The most common types include:
-===Adenomatous Polyps===
+Polyps can be classified based on their histological appearance and their potential for malignancy.
-Adenomatous polyps, or adenomas, are neoplastic and have the potential to become cancerous. They are most commonly found in the [[colon]] and are considered precursors to [[colorectal cancer]].
-===Hyperplastic Polyps===
+=== Colorectal Polyps ===
-Hyperplastic polyps are generally benign and are often found in the [[colon]]. They are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.
-===Inflammatory Polyps===
+Colorectal polyps are growths on the lining of the [[colon]] or [[rectum]]. They are common in adults and can be classified into several types:
-Inflammatory polyps, also known as pseudopolyps, are associated with chronic inflammation, such as in [[ulcerative colitis]] or [[Crohn's disease]]. They are not considered precancerous.
-===Hamartomatous Polyps===
+* '''Adenomatous polyps''': These are the most common type of polyp and have the potential to become cancerous. They are further divided into [[tubular adenoma|tubular]], [[tubulovillous adenoma|tubulovillous]], and [[villous adenoma|villous]] types.
-These polyps are composed of an abnormal mixture of tissues and are often associated with genetic syndromes such as [[Peutz-Jeghers syndrome]] and [[Juvenile polyposis syndrome]].
-==Causes==
+[[File:Polyp-2.jpeg|thumb|right|A polyp in the colon.]]
-The exact cause of polyp formation is not always clear, but several factors may contribute, including:
-* Genetic mutations
-* Chronic inflammation
-* Diet and lifestyle factors
-* Hormonal imbalances
-==Symptoms==
+* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.
-Many polyps do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally during routine screenings. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
-* Bleeding from the rectum
-* Abdominal pain
-* Changes in bowel habits
-* Nasal obstruction (in the case of nasal polyps)
-==Diagnosis==
+[[File:Hyperplastic_polyp1.jpg|thumb|left|A hyperplastic polyp.]]
-Polyps are often diagnosed through imaging studies or endoscopic procedures, such as:
-* [[Colonoscopy]]
+* '''Sessile serrated adenomas''': These polyps have a saw-tooth appearance under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed.
-* [[Sigmoidoscopy]]
-* [[Endoscopy]]
+[[File:Sessile_serrated_adenoma3.jpg|thumb|right|Sessile serrated adenoma.]]
-* [[CT scan]]
+[[File:Pie_chart_of_colorectal_polyp_etiologies.png|thumb|left|Pie chart of colorectal polyp etiologies.]]
+=== Gastric Polyps ===
+Gastric polyps are found in the [[stomach]] and can be classified into several types:
+* '''Fundic gland polyps''': These are the most common type of gastric polyp and are usually benign.
+[[File:Fundic_Gland_Polyp,_Stomach_(3295692096).jpg|thumb|right|Fundic gland polyp in the stomach.]]
+* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are associated with chronic inflammation and have a low risk of malignancy.
+[[File:Histopathology_of_a_gastric_hyperplastic_polyp.jpg|thumb|left|Histopathology of a gastric hyperplastic polyp.]]
+* '''Adenomatous polyps''': These are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
+[[File:Pie_chart_of_relative_incidences_of_gastric_polyps.png|thumb|right|Pie chart of relative incidences of gastric polyps.]]
+=== Other Types of Polyps ===
+Polyps can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the [[nasal cavity]], [[sinuses]], [[bladder]], and [[uterus]]. Each type of polyp has its own characteristics and potential for malignancy.
+== Diagnosis and Treatment ==
+Polyps are often diagnosed during routine screening procedures such as [[colonoscopy]] or [[endoscopy]]. Once identified, polyps can be removed and examined histologically to determine their type and potential for malignancy.
-==Treatment==
+* '''Colonoscopy''': A procedure used to examine the interior of the colon and rectum, often used to detect and remove polyps.
-The treatment of polyps depends on their size, location, and histological type. Common treatment options include:
-* Polypectomy: Removal of polyps during endoscopy.
-* Surgery: In cases where polyps are large or numerous, surgical removal may be necessary.
-* Surveillance: Regular monitoring for changes in size or number of polyps.
-==Prevention==
+* '''Endoscopy''': A procedure used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body, such as the stomach or bladder.
-Preventive measures may include:
-* Regular screening, especially for individuals over 50 or with a family history of polyps.
-* Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
-* Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
-==Images==
+== Related Pages ==
-[[File:Colon_polyp.jpg|thumb|right|A colon polyp as seen during a colonoscopy.]]
-[[File:Nasal_polyp.jpg|thumb|left|A nasal polyp visible in the nasal cavity.]]
-==Related pages==
+* [[Colonoscopy]]
-* [[Colorectal cancer]]
 * [[Endoscopy]]
-* [[Peutz-Jeghers syndrome]]
+* [[Adenoma]]
-* [[Ulcerative colitis]]
+* [[Cancer]]
 [[Category:Medical conditions]]
 [[Category:Gastroenterology]]
-[[Category:Oncology]]
+[[Category:Pathology]]