Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Colorectal polyps

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas


Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Abdominal pain (rare)
  • Blood in the stools
  • Fatigue caused by losing blood over time

Signs and tests

A rectal examination may reveal a polyp if it is low enough in the bowel for the health care provider to feel. However, the physical exam is usually normal.

Most of the time, polyps are found when the following tests are done to screen for polyps and cancer:

  • Barium enema
  • Colonoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Stool test for hidden (occult) blood
  • Virtual colonoscopy


Review Date: 11/08/2010
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)