A usually exophytic mass attached to the underlying tissue by a broad base or a thin stalk. Polyps can be neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Neoplastic polyps usually represent proliferations of the epithelium, and are commonly seen in the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps of the gastrointestinal tract are often called adenomas, are associated with dysplasia, and may eventually transform into carcinomas. Non-neoplastic polyps may be inflammatory, degenerative, or the result of malformations
Symptoms of Polyp
The following features are indicative of Polyp:
runny nose
post nasal drip
stuffed up nose
sneezing
loss of smell
loss of taste
headache
rectal bleeding
change in stool color
change in bowel habits
pain
nausea
vomiting
iron deficiency anemia
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Common Causes of Polyp
The following are the most common causes of Polyp:
asthma
hay fever
chronic sinus infections
aspirin sensitivity
cystic fibrosis
genetic mutations
Risk Factors for Polyp
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Polyp:
family history
ulcerative colitis
Crohn's disease
tobacco use
alcohol use
obesity
lack of exercise
type 2 diabetes
Prevention of Polyp
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Polyp. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
manage allergies and asthma
wash hands regularly
use humidifier
use nasal rinse
avoid nasal irritants
eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains
reduce the fat intake
limit alcohol consumption
don't use tobacco
stay physically active
Occurrence of Polyp
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Polyp cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Polyp can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Polyp can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Polyp
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Polyp:
Skin prick test: To determine the signs of allergic reactions
Nasal endoscopy: To perform the detailed examination inside nose and sinuses
Computerized tomography (CT) scan: To detect obstructions in nasal cavity
Colonoscopy: To see the colorectal polyps and cancer in the body
Virtual colonoscopy: To view the colon
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: To examine the last third of the colon
Doctor for Diagnosis of Polyp
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Polyp:
Otolaryngologist
Gastroenterologist
Complications of Polyp if untreated
Yes, Polyp causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Polyp is left untreated:
obstructive sleep apnea
asthma flare-ups
sinus infections
can be fatal
Procedures for Treatment of Polyp
The following procedures are used to treat Polyp:
Endoscopic surgery: To remove polyps and to correct problems with sinuses
Colectomy: To eliminate part of the colon that has the polyps
Self-care for Polyp
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Polyp:
Don't use tobacco: Lowers the risk of colon polyps and colorectal cancer
Decrease fat intake: Reduces the risk of colon polyps
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Polyp
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Polyp:
Do regular exercise: Lower the chances of colon polyps
Patient Support for Treatment of Polyp
The following actions may help Polyp patients:
Genetic counseling: Helps in lowering the risk of colon polyps and colorectal cancer
Time for Treatment of Polyp
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Polyp to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: