Physical Health
Polyps
Overview
Polyps are growths that can occur in various parts of the body, including the colon, nose, and throat. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
There are different types of polyps, depending on where they are located:
- Colorectal polyps: growths that occur in the colon or rectum.
- Nasal polyps: soft, non-cancerous growths that occur in the lining of the nose and sinuses.
- Throat polyps: growths that occur in the throat, usually on the vocal cords.
Some common causes of polyps include:
- Genetics
- Certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants.
Symptoms of polyps depend on the location of the polyp and the size, some symptoms include:
- No symptoms at all
- Nose congestion or difficulty breathing
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Diagnosis of polyps typically involves a physical examination and may include imaging tests such as colonoscopy or endoscopy. A biopsy may also be done to determine whether a polyp is benign or malignant.
Treatment for polyps typically involves removal of the polyp. For colorectal polyps, polypectomy is done during colonoscopy, for nasal polyps, polypectomy is done during endoscopy and for throat polyps, polypectomy is done during laryngoscopy.
It’s important to note that polyps can develop into cancer, so it’s important to have regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer.
To discuss diagnosis and treatment options, please book an appointment with our specialist.
To learn more about polyps, please click on https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=polyps
Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych
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