Polyp (medicine): Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}  
{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
{{Infobox medical condition
| name           = Polyp
| name = Polyp
| image           = [[File:Polyp-2.jpeg|left|thumb|A polyp in the colon]]
| image = [[File:Polyp-2.jpeg|A polyp in the colon]]
| caption         = A polyp in the colon
| caption = A polyp in the colon
| field           = [[Gastroenterology]]
| field = [[Gastroenterology]]
| synonyms       =  
| synonyms =
| symptoms       = Often asymptomatic, but can include [[rectal bleeding]], [[abdominal pain]], and changes in [[bowel habits]]
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, but can include [[rectal bleeding]], [[abdominal pain]], and changes in [[bowel habits]]
| complications   = [[Colorectal cancer]]
| complications = [[Colorectal cancer]]
| onset           = Varies
| onset = Varies
| duration       = Varies
| duration = Varies
| causes         = [[Genetic factors]], [[inflammatory conditions]], [[dietary factors]]
| causes = [[Genetic factors]], [[inflammatory conditions]], [[dietary factors]]
| risks           = [[Age]], [[family history]], [[smoking]], [[obesity]]
| risks = [[Age]], [[family history]], [[smoking]], [[obesity]]
| diagnosis       = [[Colonoscopy]], [[sigmoidoscopy]], [[barium enema]], [[CT colonography]]
| diagnosis = [[Colonoscopy]], [[sigmoidoscopy]], [[barium enema]], [[CT colonography]]
| differential   = [[Hemorrhoids]], [[diverticulosis]], [[colorectal cancer]]
| differential = [[Hemorrhoids]], [[diverticulosis]], [[colorectal cancer]]
| prevention     = [[Regular screening]], [[healthy diet]], [[exercise]]
| prevention = [[Regular screening]], [[healthy diet]], [[exercise]]
| treatment       = [[Polypectomy]], [[endoscopic mucosal resection]], [[surgery]]
| treatment = [[Polypectomy]], [[endoscopic mucosal resection]], [[surgery]]
| prognosis       = Generally good if detected early
| prognosis = Generally good if detected early
| frequency       = Common, especially in adults over 50
| frequency = Common, especially in adults over 50
}}
}}
== 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]].
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 ==
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=== Colorectal Polyps ===
=== 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:
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 adenoma|tubular]], [[tubulovillous adenoma|tubulovillous]], and [[villous adenoma|villous]] types.
* '''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.]]
* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.
[[File:Polyp-2.jpeg|A polyp in the colon.]]
* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.]]
[[File:Hyperplastic_polyp1.jpg|left|thumb|A hyperplastic polyp.]]
[[File:Hyperplastic_polyp1.jpg|left|thumb|A hyperplastic polyp.]]
* '''Sessile serrated adenomas''': These polyps have a saw-tooth appearance under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed.
* '''Sessile serrated adenomas''': These polyps have a saw-tooth appearance under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed.]]
[[File:Sessile_serrated_adenoma3.jpg|left|thumb|Sessile serrated adenoma.]]
[[File:Sessile_serrated_adenoma3.jpg|left|thumb|Sessile serrated adenoma.]]]]
[[File:Pie_chart_of_colorectal_polyp_etiologies.png|left|thumb|Pie chart of colorectal polyp etiologies.]]
[[File:Pie_chart_of_colorectal_polyp_etiologies.png|thumb|Pie chart of colorectal polyp etiologies.]]
=== Gastric Polyps ===
=== Gastric Polyps ===
Gastric polyps are found in the [[stomach]] and can be classified into several types:
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.
* '''Fundic gland polyps''': These are the most common type of gastric polyp and are usually benign.]]
[[File:Fundic_Gland_Polyp,_Stomach_(3295692096).jpg|left|thumb|Fundic gland polyp in the stomach.]]
[[File:Fundic_Gland_Polyp,_Stomach_(3295692096).jpg|left|thumb|Fundic gland polyp in the stomach.]]
* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are associated with chronic inflammation and have a low risk of malignancy.
* '''Hyperplastic polyps''': These are associated with chronic inflammation and have a low risk of malignancy.]]
[[File:Histopathology_of_a_gastric_hyperplastic_polyp.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of a gastric hyperplastic polyp.]]
[[File:Histopathology_of_a_gastric_hyperplastic_polyp.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of a gastric hyperplastic polyp.]]
* '''Adenomatous polyps''': These are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
* '''Adenomatous polyps''': These are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.]]
[[File:Pie_chart_of_relative_incidences_of_gastric_polyps.png|left|thumb|Pie chart of relative incidences of gastric polyps.]]
[[File:Pie_chart_of_relative_incidences_of_gastric_polyps.png|thumb|Pie chart of relative incidences of gastric polyps.]]
=== Other Types of 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.
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.

Latest revision as of 12:11, 14 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Polyp
A polyp in the colon
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits
Complications Colorectal cancer
Onset Varies
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Genetic factors, inflammatory conditions, dietary factors
Risks Age, family history, smoking, obesity
Diagnosis Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, CT colonography
Differential diagnosis Hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer
Prevention Regular screening, healthy diet, exercise
Treatment Polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good if detected early
Frequency Common, especially in adults over 50
Deaths N/A


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[edit]

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

Colorectal Polyps[edit]

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.]]

A polyp in the colon.

  • Hyperplastic polyps: These are usually small and have a low risk of becoming cancerous.]]
A hyperplastic polyp.
  • Sessile serrated adenomas: These polyps have a saw-tooth appearance under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed.]]
Sessile serrated adenoma.

]]

Pie chart of colorectal polyp etiologies.

Gastric Polyps[edit]

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.]]
Fundic gland polyp in the stomach.
  • Hyperplastic polyps: These are associated with chronic inflammation and have a low risk of malignancy.]]
Histopathology of a gastric hyperplastic polyp.
  • Adenomatous polyps: These are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.]]
Pie chart of relative incidences of gastric polyps.

Other Types of Polyps[edit]

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[edit]

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.

See also[edit]