Sigmoidoscopy: Types of Colon Polyps

Photographs of colon polyps visible with a sigmoidoscope

Photo credit: Jacqueline Littée, RN. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved.

A polyp is a small growth of excess tissue that often grows on a stem or stalk on the inner surface of the large intestine (colon). Most polyps do not contain cancer cells. But some polyps can become cancerous over time.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerArvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last RevisedDecember 7, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: December 7, 2011
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology

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