Skip to main content

Common Classifications of Polyps

3 min read

By Emily Lockhart

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Andrea Eisenberg, MD

A polyp is an abnormal tissue growth of tissue that can form flat (known as sessile) or in a narrow elongated projectile (known as “pedunculated”) from a mucous membrane.

Polyps commonly develop in the colon, sinuses, stomach, cervix, small intestine, bladder, uterus, and even in the nasal cavity, or in any other mucous membrane. Here’s a closer look at the nine common classifications of polyps…

Colorectal Polyp

Colorectal polyps, as the name suggests, form in the colon. Even though it can take considerable time for symptoms to show themselves—pain, rectal bleeding, or diarrhea and constipation can indicate a problem or even the early stages of colon cancer (where polyps turn malignant).

Most polyps are found during a routine colon cancer screening and are benign, but they are typically removed to reduce the development of colon cancer with a follow up colonoscopy performed every 3 to 5 years.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps form in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity—particularly in the nose and paranasal sinuses. They typically occur in individuals with severe allergies (i.e., allergic rhinitis) as mucosa builds up and forms a polyp.

Cervical Polyp

Cervical polyps develop on the surface of the cervical canal. Typically, these benign tumors don’t cause any symptoms and women can live for years without ever knowing they exist. Sometimes they will be found in a routine check-up if the patient complains about abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Endometrial Polyp

A endometrial polyp is a type of polyp that develops on the lining of the uterus. They can form as a flat lesion (sessile) on the endometrium or as an abnormal growth with a stalk (pedunculated) within the uterine cavity. Endometrial polyps occur in approximately 10-percent of adult women without symptoms.

However, if a pedunculated polyp grows to several centimeters in size, it can stick out through the cervix into the vagina, causing bleeding.

Peutz-Jeghers Polyp

Affecting 1 in 300,000 births, Peutz Jeghers is a genetic disorder where people develop dark colored spots on the skin and intestinal polyps. These intestinal polyps are generally non cancerous.

Hamartomatous Polyp

Hamartomatous polyps form in patients with Cowden Syndrome (or Cowden’s disease), rare autosomal dominant inherited disease that’s characterized by the growth of hamartomas multiple tumors on the nose and intestines. Patients with Cowden Syndrome have a predisposition to certain forms of cancer—such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer.

Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp

Inflammatory fibroid polyps (or IFP), are benign tissue growths that grow in a projectile fashion (or spindle formation) around the blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract, generally the stomach or small bowel. Typically there is a great deal of inflammation associated with this classification of polyp.

Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome Polyps

Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome is an uncommon syndrome that typically affects males of Japanese ethnicity (which make up two-thirds of those affected). The condition causes the sporadic formation of multiple polyps along the digestive tract—including the large intestine, small intestine, stomach, and the esophagus.

Typically, Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome polyps are benign and don’t develop into cancerous tumors.

MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Andrea Eisenberg, MD is a board certified OB/GYN in the Metro Detroit area. She has dedicated her life to caring for women through all stages of their lives -- from adolescence, to delivering babies, and later into menopause. Her special interests include minimally invasive surgeries, adolescence, family planning, infertility, and menopause. In her spare time she writes about the human side of medicine on her blog and has several essays published in a variety of journals. To decompress, she enjoys trail running and baking.

Your Health

Explore

How To Give Mom the Gift of Health on Mother’s Day
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

How To Give Mom the Gift of Health on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, give a gift that goes beyond flowers and chocolates and instead supports her well-being. Whether she’s focused on fitness, relaxation, or just feeling her best, there are thoughtful ways to show you care about her health. With a few creative ideas, you can help her feel energized, appreciated, and deeply loved. Gift […]

Read More about How To Give Mom the Gift of Health on Mother’s Day

3 min read

The Link Between Gut Health and Mental Well-Being: What You Need to Know
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

The Link Between Gut Health and Mental Well-Being: What You Need to Know

Your gut does more than just digest food! It plays a surprising role in how you feel, think, and manage stress. Research has uncovered a fascinating connection between gut health and mental well-being, showing that the trillions of microbes in your digestive system could influence your mood, sleep, and overall cognitive function. Understanding this powerful […]

Read More about The Link Between Gut Health and Mental Well-Being: What You Need to Know

4 min read

Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start

As spring approaches, so does the dreaded arrival of pollen, dust, and other common allergy triggers. Instead of waiting for symptoms to strike, take proactive steps to minimize exposure and keep sneezing, itching, and congestion at bay. A few simple changes can help allergy-proof your environment and make the season much more enjoyable. Start with […]

Read More about Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start

3 min read