Polyp (medicine)

A polyp is a smooth-coated abnormal growth (tumor) projecting from a mucous membrane. It is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated pedicle. Polyps are commonly found in the nose, urinary bladder, uterus, rectum, and large intestine. They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membrane exists.

Under some extreme conditions, polyps in the digestive tracts of organisms from class Mammalia occasionally bleed, discharge, and seep rotten oily yellow - brown waste. There are effective methods of removing such parasites from digestive tracts. A procedure known as the invasive colonoscopy can effectively remove polyps, yet this procedure is often quite painful and very awkward. A new procedure known as a virtual colonoscopy can detect cancerous polyps with a device similar to a CT scan, but if cancerous growths are found, an invasive procedure still must be employed. If tracts of intestine are dangerously disseminated with cancerous polyps, a section of that tract might have to be removed surgically. The best way to prevent cancerous polyps is to go to regular medical checkups (twice a year), even though it may seem unnecessary or uncomfortable, especially if there is a family hereditary predisposition. Colon cancer remains one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer.

Types of polyps

• adenomatous
• hamartomatous
• hyperplastic
• Inflammatory

See also

• Nasal polyp