Polyp, Gastrointestinal

Synonyms

Benign neoplasia; Growth; Protuberance

Definition

The term polyp refers to any overgrowth of tissue from the surface of the mucous membranes. Gastrointestinal polyp is any mass of tissue that arises from the bowel wall and protrudes into the lumen. Gastrointestinal polyp is a common form of benign neoplastic growth.

Polyps show a great variation in shape and size. They may have round, shiny smooth surfaces or may be eroded/ulcerated depending on the size of the polyp.

All gastrointestinal polyps arise from the mucosa. Majority of these polyps are asymptomatic and may be discovered accidentally at endoscopy performed for other reasons. The main concern is malignant transformation; most colon cancers arise in a previously benign adenomatous polyp.

Clinical Features

• Incidence

  Incidence of polyps ranges from 7% to 50%; the higher figure includes very small polyps (usually hyperplastic polyps or microadenomas) found at autopsy. About one third of the general population will develop...