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A polyp is an abnormal growth. Polyps can vary in size, shape and location, they may be single or multiple. Some polyps are flat and some look like a grape with a narrow stalk, or they may take the form of many fine projections, resembling the pile of a carpet.
Polyps can occur in various parts of the body and are typically associated with mucous membranes, such as in the rectum and nose. Polyps of the colon and rectum grow from the lining of the colon.
Incidence; Causes & Development; Risk Factors
Polyps of the colon and rectum are quite a common condition, in both men and women over the age of 50.
It is not understood why polyps develop in the nose, but some researchers believe it may be due to an allergy to something in the atmosphere.
As with nasal polyps, it is not fully understood why polyps of the colon and rectum develop. However, there is a tendency for polyps to be hereditary. A rare, inherited disorder called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) -- in which hundreds of polyps develop in the colon and rectum -- is a major cause of colon cancer, if left untreated.
Drinking excess alcohol and smoking may increase the chances of developing polyps of the colon and rectum.
Signs & Symptoms
Nasal polyps can hinder breathing or they can swell so much that they can be seen hanging from the nostril.
Rectal polyps usually have no symptoms and are often found by chance. Larger polyps tend to bleed quite easily; the blood (occult blood) can be mixed with the stools or can be visible on their surface. Clear mucus may be passed with the stool. On rare occasions the bowel may become partially or completely blocked, resulting in symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and (in severe cases) vomiting.
Diagnosis & Tests
Polyps are diagnosed either by an X-ray procedure called a barium enema or by examining the entire colon carefully using a colonoscope. During a colonoscopy the doctor will usually take a small piece of the polyp for examination.
Treatment & Prevention
Polyps of the nose can be easily removed and shouldn't cause and long term problems.
Prognosis; Complications
Once discovered, it is advisable to be checked again a year later to make sure that no more polyps have developed.
The majority of polyps are benign but there is also a strong link between polyps and the development of colon (bowel) cancer. There are different types of polyp, but those associated with bowel cancer are known as adenomatous polyps or just adenomas. Although the majority of polyps will not become cancerous, it is still very important that they are removed.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Tendency To Develop Polyps:
Conditions that suggest Tendency To Develop Polyps:
Risk factors for Tendency To Develop Polyps:
Recommendations and treatments for Tendency To Develop Polyps: | | | | | Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |  Test for Food Allergies |
Nutrient |
 Meyer's Cocktail |
Surgery/Invasive |
Surgery | Since there is no way of knowing whether a polyp will become malignant, total removal of the polyp is the best treatment. If polyps are detected during a colonoscopy, they can usually be removed painlessly using the colonoscope. A wire loop is placed around the polyp and then a electrical current is passed through the wire, to separate the polyp from the bowel. If the polyp is very large it may require more than one treatment for complete removal. If the polyp cannot be removed with these methods then surgery may be required. |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin B-Complex |
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KEY | | Proven definite or direct link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Benign
Literally: innocent; not malignant. Often used to refer to cells that are not cancerous; they tend to grow slowly and don't spread (metastasize) like cancer tumors do.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Colonoscope (Colonoscopy)
A thin, flexible 'telescope' that is passed up from the anus in order to examine the bowels.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Occult Blood
Usually detected through an occult blood test: A test used in screening for blood found in the stool, sputum or urine. The most common test is for hidden blood in the stool, also known as a stool guaiac or hemoccult test, which usually indicates the presence of ulceration or cancer.
Polyp (Polyps)
A usually nonmalignant growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder or intestine, often causing obstruction.
X-rays (X-ray)
High-energy radiation used to take pictures of areas inside the body.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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