POLYPS INFORMATION
What are polyps?
Colonic polyps are abnormal like growths that protrude into the lining of the bowel. Pedunculated polyps are attached to the bowel wall with a stalk, while sessile polyps have a broad base and are attached directly to the lining of the bowel. Whilst most polyps are benign some polyps have the potential to become malignant (cancerous) if left untreated.
What are symptoms of polyps?
Most polyps produce no symptoms and often are found incidentally during endoscopy or x-ray of the bowel. Some polyps, however, can produce bleeding, mucous discharge, alteration in bowel function, or in rare cases, abdominal pain.
How are polyps diagnosed?
Diagnosis of colonic polyps is by colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and air contrast barium enema.
Research has demonstrated that removal of polyps dramatically reduces the incidence of subsequent colon cancer.
Polyps are removed using a procedure called polypectomy.
 |
| Wolfson endoscopy procedure room |
What are symptoms of polyps?
Most polyps produce no symptoms and often are found incidentally during endoscopy or x-ray of the bowel. Some polyps, however, can produce bleeding, mucous discharge, alteration in bowel function, or in rare cases, abdominal pain.
How are polyps diagnosed?
Diagnosis of colonic polyps is by colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and air contrast barium enema.
Research has demonstrated that removal of polyps dramatically reduces the incidence of subsequent colon cancer.
Polyps are removed using a procedure called polypectomy.
