A polyup is a mass of tissue that protrudes into the lumen of the bowel. Polyps can occur anywhere in the intestinal tract and rectum. They can be classified as neoplastic (adenomas and carcinomas) or non- neoplastic (mucosal and hyperplastic) Non-neoplastic polyps, which are benign epithelial growths are common in the western world and occur more commonly in the large intestine than in the small intestine. Although most polyps do not develop into invasive neoplasms they must be identified and followed closely.
Polyps are the result of abnormal cell growth. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way — a process that’s controlled by two broad groups of genes. Mutations in any of these genes can cause cells to continue dividing even when new cells aren’t needed. In the colon and rectum, this unregulated growth can cause polyps to form.
Signs and Symptoms / clinical manifestations:
These manifestations depend on the size the polyp and the amount of pressure it exerts on the intestinal tissue.
- Rectal bleeding (most common symptom)
- Lower abdominal pain
- Symptoms of obstruction may occur if polyp is large enough.
- Abdominal fullness and distension
- Cramping
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Surgical resection may be advocated for large, sessile polyps that are difficult to remove or for advanced colonic polyps that recur despite adequate initial endoscopic treatment.
