What Exactly is a Polyp?

A polyp is a word that is often used in the health care and medical world. But, what exactly is a polyp? A polyp is a growth - often it is one on a stem-like base, that can develop just about anywhere on the body. Polyps can be caused by several factors and conditions, which will also affect the treatment options.

In general, polyps may have a grapelike, semitransparent appearance and may best be known for occurring in the nasal cavity, the cervix, the colon and in the digestive tract. The most common type of problem polyps occur in the colon and the intestines. The term “polyp” may also be given to small 1 centimeter-sized growths that appear on the surface of the skin.

Most polyps are benign, small and easily removed. In the colon, while the polyps may be benign, a relationship between the presence of polyps and cancer has been established. For this reason, upon diagnosis, removal of the polyps will most likely be recommended. Occasionally, polyps can grow large and cause bleeding or an obstruction.

Polyps are generally discovered using a colonoscopy, X-ray, or other internal examination - depending on the area. If they appear on the surface of the skin, polyps can be diagnosed with a physical examination - although a biopsy may be used to rule out more serious conditions. While polyps themselves are usually benign, there is no way of knowing whether problems will develop so it is routine for doctors to advise their removal.

In the colon, polyps are normally removed by snaring them with a wire loop. Small polyps can often be destroyed simply by touching them with a coagulating electrical current. Other procedures may be used to remove polyps that occur in other areas of the body. After polyps have been removed, they do not ordinarily come back or reoccur. however, it does appear that some people are more susceptible to developing polyps and the chance of new polyps developing in individuals who have had previous polyps removed is more than 30%.