What Are Polyps?

Most of us have probably already heard about polyps. The mere mention of it can send others in a state of worry. Not all polyps however are dangerous. There is also more than one area in the body where polyps can grow. Get to know what polyps are so you can get the right treatment.

What are Polyps

The simplest definition of a polyp is that it is a tumor or a mass of tissues. It doesn’t just appear anywhere. It develops where there are mucous membranes. It is a colorectal polyp if it is found in the colon. It is a nasal polyp if it is in the nose. A polyp found in the lining of the uterus is an endometrial polyp. Other polyps may also develop in the cervix.

The first kind of polyp is shaped like a small mushroom and grows from a stalk that is attached to the membrane in which case it is called pedunculated. It is sessile and flat shaped if it is not connected to a stalk. Polyps can grow alone or in groups and can sometimes be malignant but are often benign.

Colorectal Polyps

Polyps can also grow in the small intestine but they are far more likely to develop in the colon or large intestine. A polyp in this area can either be hyperplastic or an adenoma. Both types of polyps can be benign but they often have to be removed because they might become malignant. Adenomas are the ones in particular that could become malignant in time. Hyperplastic polyps are rarely dangerous but should be cause for concern if they are integrated with adenomas.

There is no clear reason why colorectal polyps develop. Heredity and lifestyle may be possible causal factors. Small polyps do not always show signs and may only be noticed during a screening check up. Other polyps however may cause some stomach pain, bleeding, unusual or irregular bowel movement and stool mucous.

Nasal Polyps

These polyps are benign and usually develop as an offshoot of nasal lining inflammation. As a consequence of inflammation more fluid collects and polyps form. Although there is still no clear conclusion about the reasons for inflammation, it is theorized that allergies and infections may play a role. If you have nasal polyps you may have a little difficulty in breathing, a diminished sense of smell, a lot of mucous discharge and headaches. Although they are not really dangerous, they may have to be removed to eliminate the symptoms.

Endometrial Polyps

These polyps are more often attached to stalks and may even protrude from the uterus onto the cervix. Sometimes there are no symptoms but in others, these polyps may cause excessive bleeding during cycles or an irregular menstrual cycle. Polyps can grow alone or in numbers. Just like colorectal and nasal polyps, there is no clear cause for polyps in the uterus. It is highly possible though that hormonal factors are responsible for their formation. Young females and those who are in the stage of menopause are at a lower risk of developing polyps than adult women.