Bowel polyps
Introduction
Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon (large bowel) or rectum.They are common, affecting 15-20% of the UK population, anddon't usually cause symptoms.
Polyps are usually less than 1cm in size, although they can grow up to several centimetres. There are various forms:
- some are a tiny raised area or bulge, known asa sessile polyp
- somelook like a grape on a stalk, known as a pedunculated polyp
- some take the form of many tiny bumps clustered together
Bowel polypsare not usually cancerous, althoughif they're discovered they'll need to be removed, as some will eventually turn into cancer if left untreated.
Some people just develop one polyp, while others may have a few.They tend to occur in people over the age of 60.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 20 Jun 2016
Introduction
Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon (large bowel) or rectum. They are common, affecting 15-20% of the UK population, and do not usually cause symptoms.
How are they caused?
Bowel polyps are caused by an abnormal production of cells. The lining of the bowel constantly renews itself, and a faulty gene can cause the cells in the bowel lining to grow more quickly. There may
What are the symptoms?
Most people with polyps won't be aware of them as they produce no symptoms and are often discovered by accident. However, some larger polyps can cause: a small amount of Rectal bleeding (blood in y
How are they discovered?
Bowel polypsare usually found as a result of a bowel investigation for another reason, such as a sigmoidoscopy (examination of the last part of the bowel) or during screening for bowel cancer . If po
How are they treated?
There are several methods for treating polyps, but the most common procedure involves snaring the polypduring a colonoscopy. Snaring is like cutting the polyp off with cheese wire and is painless. Bo
Outlook
Some people will need further colonoscopies because polyps can recur. Polyps can sometimes run in families. This is uncommon, butmeans you'll need colonoscopy checks at regular intervals. You might b
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products