Some people are more likely to develop polyps than others, especially if family members have had polyps (genetic). Other people may have a condition known as familial polyposis syndrome (FAP) in which the intestine contains several polyps throughout the colon. The polyps in people with this syndrome are more likely to be cancerous. Typically though, polyps are not cancerous and can be easily removed.

Symptoms

Frequently, people with polyps do not experience symptoms. Others may experience:

• Blood in stool
• Anemia
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea with mucus
• Intussusception

Diagnosis/Testing

An upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy are the most accurate way to detect and remove polyps, and recommended as the best screening method to check the GI tract for polyps. If the doctor sees any polyps, they can be easily removed. Your doctor may also have a capsule endoscopy done that can find polyps in the small bowel.

Treatment

If the doctor finds a polyp during the either of the procedures, a small instrument is used to remove the polyp from the lining of the intestine polypectomy. The tissue will then be sent to the lab to be checked for abnormalities.