Intestinal polyp

Intestinal polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the intestine. They can occur anywhere in the large intestine and are sometimes also found in the small intestine. Most intestinal polyps are benign, but some can develop into cancer.

Types of Intestinal Polyps

There are several types of intestinal polyps, including:

• Adenomatous polyps: These polyps are the most common. They are precancerous and can develop into cancer if not removed.
• Hyperplastic polyps: These are usually small and not likely to become cancerous.
• Inflammatory polyps: These polyps may follow colitis or Crohn's disease. They are usually not precancerous.
• Hamartomatous polyps: These are usually seen in children and are typically benign.

Symptoms

Most intestinal polyps are asymptomatic. However, larger polyps may cause:

• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits

Diagnosis

Intestinal polyps are often found during screening tests for colon cancer. These tests may include:

• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• CT colonography

Treatment

The primary treatment for intestinal polyps is removal, which is usually done during a colonoscopy. If a polyp cannot be removed during a colonoscopy, surgery may be required.

Prevention

Certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of intestinal polyps:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

See Also

• Colon (anatomy)
• Colonoscopy
• Colorectal cancer