Polyps

Although most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), if some are not removed then they can grow bigger and become malignant (cancerous), and will require additional treatment.

Polyps are most common in those aged 50 years old and over. Poor diet, smoking and obesity can increase your risk of developing polyps.

Some polyps don’t cause symptoms. The most common symptoms (depending on the location of the polyps) include:

• Pain in the abdomen (tummy)
• Bleeding from the rectum (bottom)
• Change in bowel and bladder habits (blood in your stools or urine)
• Reduced sense of smell
• Hearing loss
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:

• X-Ray, ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan to detect polyps in your organs
• biopsy, where a small amount of cells are removed from the polyp for analysis
• colonoscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside your colon for polyps. If any are found, they can be removed immediately.
• upper endoscopy, where the upper part of your abdominal tract and stomach are examined using a long thin tube called an endoscope
• hysteroscopy, a procedure where the inside of the uterus (womb) is examined.

Treatment options for polyps depend on the nature and cause of your condition.

Treatments your GP or consultant may recommend include:

• Polypectomy, a surgical procedure that uses a thin and flexible instrument or small graspers to remove the polyp
• Transurethral Bladder Resection (TURBT), where bladder polyps are removed through the urethra (the tube that carries urine)
• Colonoscopy