What Are Polyps?

A polyp is a tiny group of a few cells on the surface of an organ. They are not malignant (benign), but sometimes some of them turn cancerous after very long times. Polyps can be tiny surprise spots or big noticeable lumps with symptoms or issues. Polyps are most typically found in the following places:

  • Colon or rectum (colon polyps)
  • Uterus (uterine or endometrial polyps)
  • Nasal passages or sinuses (nasal polyps)
  • Stomach or cervix (rare)
Risk factors for polyps and the symptoms will identify them earlier and prevent long-term harm.

Types of Polyps

There are infinite numbers depending on location and tissue makeup. The most common are as follows:

Colon Polyps

They are cancers of the colon or rectum. Benign colon polyps are the most common, with other types being precancerous polyps and will develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated. They are:

  • Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) – potentially malignant
  • Hyperplastic polyps – most commonly benign
  • Serrated polyps – precancerous or benign

Polyps of the Uterus (Endometrial Polyps)

Endometrial or uterine polyps occur in the endometrium of the uterus. They exist in all shapes and sizes and occur more frequently in postmenopausal women or women after menopause. They are benign but become cancerous if the woman is postmenopausal.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, non-neoplastic sinus or nasal tumor mucosa. They occur with allergy, asthma, chronic inflammation, or chronic sinusitis. Though benign, they will chronically asphyxiate breath and produce nasal symptoms.

Stomach or Cervical Polyps

Rarserarely, they may occur in stomach or cervical mucosa. They are benign but, like all the others, require malignancy screening.

Polyp Cause

Polyp causation is also varied in location and polyps. Polyps typically result from uncontrolled cell growth, conditioned by heredity, hormonal imbalance, or inflammation.

  • Chronic inflammation (most important in nasal and colon polyps)
  • Hormonal imbalance (estrogen dominance causes uterine polyps)
  • Genetic mutation (familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome, for example)
  • Diet (low-fiber, high-fat diet is linked with colon polyps)
  • Physical inactivity and obesity
  • Alcohol and smoking
Polyps sometimes will be causeless, and screening sometimes will be needed in the vulnerable subjects.

Signs and symptoms of Polyps

The majority of polyps are symptomless, especially in the initial years. But based on the location and size, they can be identified by signs and symptoms. Common Polyp Signs And symptoms of polyps Are:

  • Colon polyps: rectal bleeding, bleeding rectum, cramping abdomen, bowel change
  • Uterus polyps: irregular menstruation, between menstruations bleeding, inability to conceive
  • Nasal polyps: congestion, loss of taste or smell, headache or sinusitis
  • Stomach polyps: indigestion, gas, nausea (but frequently asymptomatic)
In either of the two above, consult medical professional for examination.


Are Polyps Cancerous?

The first question that everyone has is: Are polyps cancerous? The answer is: not necessarily, but maybe. The majority of the polyps are benign, especially if they are small and caught early. The others are most probably adenomatous colon polyps or bulky endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women that ultimately will become cancer at some point in the future. They are then also considered precancerous polyps. That is why doctors often suggest the removal of the polyps before they can become cancerous, to eliminate the risk entirely.

Polyp Removal Procedure

The polyp is removed in different manners based on where and how large the polyp is. Routine polyp removal procedure are as follows:

  • Colonoscopy: Colon polyps are most commonly clipped off with a wire loop or cauterized off (polypectomy) here.
  • Hysteroscopy: Removal of a polyp inside the uterus through the cervix with a scope and instruments.
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery: Under general anaesthetics to have surgically removed nasal polyps, especially if large or longstanding.
  • Biopsy: Occasionally tissue is taken away for a test to see whether or not a polyp is cancerous.
The majority are not surgery and an outpatient. Polyps usually are sent to the lab to be tested after they are taken out to eliminate cancer.

Polyps vs Tumors: What's the Difference

It is simple to confuse polyps vs tumors, but they are different. A polyp is a mucous membrane surface tumor that is small and mostly benign. A tumor is an irregular growth of tissue and is either may or may not be cancer (malignant) or benign.
Even though some of the polyps become tumors, especially when neglected, not all tumors are of the polyp type. The distinction is essential where one is making a diagnosis or where surgery is performed to rectify.

Prevention of Polyps

Even though prevention of all the polyps is impossible, especially of the genetic type, there are lifestyle modifications and foods that can avoid or delay polyps.

  • Diet high in fiber: Vegetables, fruits, and cereals feed the colon.
  • Red and processed meat to be avoided: Both are linked to the risk of colon polyps and colon cancer.
  • Physical exercise daily: Exercise governs hormone level and enhances immunity.
  • Maintain normal weight: Obesity is a proven risk factor for nearly all types of polyps.
  • Tobacco and alcohol to be avoided: Both render a person vulnerable to polyp formation, especially colon polyps.
  • Control chronic inflammation: Control allergy, asthma, and sinusitis so that nasal polyps do not develop.
Anxious surveillance and watchfulness are especially indicated in patients with previous history of cancer or familial history of polyps.

Recurrent Polyps: What Occurs?

Recurrent polyps may appear after successful surgery in some patients. More common in setting of history of previous disease like recurrent sinusitis, endocrine disease, or familial genetic syndromes.

  • In recurrent polyps
  • Follow-up on a regular basis in the form of nasal endoscopy, hysteroscopy, or colonoscopy needs to be done.
  • Chronic treatment in the form of nasal corticosteroids will manage nasal polyps.
  • Endocrine treatment will avoid recurrence of uterine polyps.
  • Recurrence may necessitate surgery again, especially symptomatic or precancerous recurrence.
Preventative check-ups and follow-up check-up intervals need to be arranged with your doctor to prevent recurrence.

Last Thoughts

Polyps are intimidating, but knowledge is strength where your body is concerned. A staggering majority of polyps are benign and treatable if caught early. Nasal polyps, colon polyps, or uterine polyps don't care about who you are: being informed about the causes of polyps, symptoms, and treatment gives you the power to control your body.
Screening, healthy living, and education are your best defense.

If you do have a problem that you think you may have polyps or have a higher risk, talk to an evaluation and return for a follow-up with a health care provider. Prevention and early detection are the keys to long-term health.

Please book an appointment with the best Gastroenterologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.