Department of Surgery

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Conditions We Treat

Colorectal Polyps

What are Colorectal Polyps (Polyposis)?

Polyps are mushroom-shaped lumps of tissue growing inside the intestines that project inward from the lining. If they are located in the lower rectum, they may prolapse outside the anus. Most small polyps are benign. But over time they can turn malignant and become a source of cancer that can spread through the body.

Polyposis is a pre-cancerous condition in which multiple polyps (more than five) grow in the colon or rectum. In children the condition is relatively common and called juvenile polyposis, or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) if hereditary.

Symptoms of Colorectal Polyps

Polyps can cause:

• Bleeding from the anus
• Abdominal cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Anemia

Learn more about Colorectal Polyps

Treatment for Colorectal Polyps

Common treatment involves removal of the polyps when they are discovered and testing of the tissue for cancer.