Polyps

A polyp is a growth in the lining of the bowel. A polyp can be sessile (no stalk) or on a stalk or stem. There are two main kinds of polyps: adenomatous polyps which can develop into cancer and hyperplastic polyps that are not thought to progress to cancer.

The progression of a polyp to cancer is now well understood. Basically a polyp forms and grows larger as it progressively undergoes genetic changes. Eventually over a five to ten year period it may transform into a cancer.

At the time of colonsocopy if a polyp is found it will be removed as this prevents you developing cancer in the future.

If you have had a big polyp or more than 3 then you should have a colonoscopy every three years. If you have had any polyps in the past or someone in your family has had polyps then please contact us for an appointment to discuss what you should do next.