What is a Polyp? What Are the Symptoms and Treatment Methods of Polyps?

Polyps are growths that form on or inside an organ in the body, resembling small lumps. These abnormal growths are mostly benign, but some types can turn into cancer over time. Polyps can consist of cells from different tissues within the body. They are often seen as stalked or non-stalked protrusions. In the treatment of polyps, doctors can use different methods depending on the type, size, and location of the polyp. For example, small and benign polyps can usually be removed using endoscopic methods without surgical intervention. For gastrointestinal polyps, procedures such as colonoscopy or endoscopic polypectomy are frequently used. However, polyps that carry a risk of cancer or cause symptoms may require more aggressive treatment. In this case, methods such as surgical intervention, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be preferred.

What is a Polyp?

What Are the Symptoms of Polyps?

Polyps do not always cause symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of polyp and where it is located in your body. Polyp symptoms:

• Changes in stool: Polyps can lead to changes in bowel movements. Some people may experience constipation, while others may have diarrhea. Colorectal polyps grow in the tissue of the colon or rectum. Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) can turn into bowel cancer. Hyperplastic polyps usually do not become cancerous. Hamartomatous polyps can sometimes develop in people with genetic disorders.
• Abdominal pain or swelling: Large polyps can cause abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating by causing blockages or pressure in the intestines.
• Abnormalities in menstrual bleeding: Uterine polyps can cause irregularities or intermenstrual bleeding.
• Nasal congestion and discharge: Nasal polyps can cause nasal congestion, nasal discharge, headaches, and a decrease in the sense of smell.
• Hearing loss and ear discharge: Polyps in the ear canal grow within the ear canal and can indicate the presence of a cholesteatoma, which can cause hearing loss and foul-smelling ear discharge.
• Rectal bleeding: Gastrointestinal polyps often cause bleeding in the stool or rectal bleeding.

What Causes Polyps?

Polyps are abnormal cell growths, and they often have no clear cause. However, certain risk factors can contribute to the formation of polyps. If there is a family history of genetic changes or syndromes caused by genetic traits, the risk of certain types of polyps may increase. Risk factors can include:

• Genetic factors: Genetic mutations are a significant factor in the formation of polyps. Genetic factors involve errors in the genetic code used by cells to replicate themselves. When codes change, cells grow and behave differently. If there is a family history of the disease, the risk of developing colon polyps may increase.
• Environmental influences: Environmental risk factors can contribute to the formation of polyps. A high-fat and low-fiber diet can increase the formation of polyps. Additionally, harmful substances and obesity can contribute to the formation of polyps.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation or constant irritation in the intestines can predispose to polyp formation. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can increase the formation of polyps.
• Age factor: The risk of polyps forming can increase with age. Polyp prevalence is especially higher in individuals over 50 years old.

What Are the Types of Polyps?

Polyps can vary in shape, size, type, number, and location. Most polyps are mushroom-shaped and have a short stalk connecting them to the normal mucosal lining of the intestine. Most polyps are smaller than one centimeter. Some do not have stalks. Some types of polyps include:

• Adenoma: Adenomas are non-cancerous tumors but carry a cancer risk. They can grow along the adrenal, parathyroid, or pituitary glands. If the adenoma is small, the doctor may use a wait-and-see approach. In more serious cases, surgery may be preferred to remove the adenoma. Adenomas are most commonly seen as gastrointestinal polyps and are usually found in the colon or rectum.
• Hyperplastic: Hyperplastic polyps are usually found on the flat surface of the colon. Hyperplastic polyps are the most common type of serrated polyps and are not harmful. However, in some cases, they can grow and increase the risk of cancer.
• Sessile: Sessile polyps are abnormal tissue growths that grow on the mucosa (lining tissue) of hollow organs. Sessile polyps are flat or dome-shaped and immobile. While they can grow in the bladder, stomach, or uterus, they most commonly occur in the colon. Sessile colon polyps are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can be pre-cancerous or turn into cancer. Sessile polyps sit on a wide base and can easily spread to the colon wall.
• Hamartoma: Hamartoma polyps are benign (non-cancerous) masses composed of the same cells found in the surrounding tissue. Most hamartomas do not cause symptoms and are not serious. Surgery may be necessary if the hamartoma grows enough to cause symptoms.
• Inflammatory polyps: This type of polyp is a tissue growth resulting from inflammation. Unlike other polyps, they form due to the accumulation of inflammatory cells rather than the abnormal growth of the mucosal membrane. They are usually benign and have a very low risk of becoming cancerous.
• Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps are tissue growths that form on the inner lining of the uterus and typically cause abnormalities in menstrual bleeding. These types of polyps are composed of endometrial cells.
• Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are swellings that form in the nasal cavity and typically cause symptoms such as sinus congestion, nasal blockage, and headaches.

How Are Polyps Diagnosed?

Polyps usually do not cause symptoms and are often detected incidentally. They can also be detected during routine screening tests. For diagnosis, the doctor first takes the patient's medical history. Then a physical examination is conducted, and symptoms and medical history are reviewed. If the doctor suspects polyps, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans are often requested to visualize the affected area. These tests can help confirm the presence and size of the polyp. Tests used to diagnose polyps can include:

• Endoscopy: For gastrointestinal polyps, doctors often prefer endoscopic methods such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. In these procedures, a thin and flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted into the intestine, and the interior image is displayed on a screen to diagnose the polyp.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests like CT scans or MRI can be used to visually detect polyps and other abnormalities inside the body.
• Radiological examination: Some polyps, especially nasal polyps, can be detected with radiographs or CT scans.
• Biopsy: In some cases, doctors may want to perform a biopsy to determine if polyps are cancerous. Tissue samples taken during an endoscopy or surgical intervention are examined under a microscope to make a definitive diagnosis regarding the type and nature of the polyps.
• Gynecological examination: Uterine polyps can be diagnosed during a gynecological examination by examining the inner tissues of the uterus.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Polyps?

The treatment method for polyps is planned by specialist doctors based on the type of polyp, whether it is cancerous, the number, and size of the polyps. Polyps are monitored and controlled by doctors since they have a low probability of being harmful. However, in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary as a precaution against possible cancer development. Some of the treatment methods for polyps include:

• Endoscopic polypectomy: Gastrointestinal polyps can often be removed by a procedure called endoscopic polypectomy. This method can be preferred for removing small and single polyps.
• Surgical intervention: Large, multiple, or cancer-risk polyps are usually surgically removed. Surgical intervention can be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgery methods. Additionally, in some cases, treatments such as high-frequency electrical current, laser treatment, and corticosteroid sprays for nasal polyps can be used to eliminate or reduce polyps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If a Polyp Is Cancerous?

If a polyp is found to be cancerous, the patient may need to undergo a treatment process to fight the cancer. Treatment typically includes aggressive methods such as surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Are Polyps Harmful?

Polyps are mostly harmless, but in some cases, they can lead to potentially serious health issues. Therefore, monitoring and control of polyps are important.

Polyps are generally benign abnormal cell growths, but in some cases, they can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is important for individuals with polyp symptoms or a polyp diagnosis to undergo regular health check-ups at well-equipped hospitals.