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A polyp is a protrusion in the lining of the bowel caused by an abnormal production of cells. It may be a tiny raised area (A); it may look like a grape (B) or take the form of many tiny projections clustered together (C). Polyps are very common (occurring in 15-20% of the population) and most are NOT cancerous.
Polyps are important however, as, if they are not removed, they may eventually become a cancer in the colon (large bowel) or rectum (back passage), although this takes many years. Symptoms of polyps Most people are unaware of having polyps as they produce no symptoms and they are often an incidental finding. Some polyps can, however, produce a small amount of bleeding or an excess production of mucus (slime) with bowel motions. Polyps are usually found as a result of bowel investigations - such as a sigmoidoscopy or barium enema. If they are found colonoscopy is required to view the whole of the large bowel. Treatments for polyps The most common method of removal is by:
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