Are there different types of polyps?
Yes. It’s important to find out from your doctor what type of polyps you have because the conditions are very different. Polyp conditions are treated and monitored very differently depending on what type of polyps you have. Intestinal polyps in children are of two major types: 1) adenomatous polyps and 2) inflammatory (also called juvenile) polyps. Do I Get to Talk to My Specialist? Definitely. The first meeting with the Paediatric Gastroenterologist is a chance to ask all the questions you may have. It’s an opportunity for you and your parents to meet the doctor so you can feel comfortable. Some kids and teenagers like to have a chance to talk to the doctor privately for a few minutes as well (it’s up to you). At the first appointment we may talk about a test to look for polyps. We can discuss ways to make the experience as positive as possible for you. We can work with you to book a date for the polyp test which works best with your school schedule. How Do Doctors Check For polyps? D
Yes, there are different types of polyps. Some can develop into cancers, but most others will not. Adenomatous and villous polyps are considered “pre-cancerous” and may grow and develop abnormal cells which can become cancer. Other polyps, such as hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps, are not pre-cancerous but may exist with pre-cancerous polyps.
There are two main types of polyps. The most important is the adenomatous polyp. Although most adenomatous polyps are benign, some can turn into cancer over time. Some experts estimate that between 1 in 20 and 1 in 50 adenomatous polyps, if left alone, will become cancers with time. The bigger the adenomatous polyp, the more likely it is to harbor cancer. The second major type of polyp is the hyperplastic polyp. These can look just like adenomatous polyps through the colonoscope, but they look different when taken out and examined under a microscope. They are always benign and never turn into cancer. Because these two types of polyps look alike, doctors generally remove or sample all polyps found at colonoscopy and then send them for microscopic analysis.
There are two common types: hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. The hyperplastic polyp is not at risk for cancer and, therefore,is not as significant. The adenoma, however, is thought to be the precursor (origin) for almost all colon cancers, although most adenomas never become cancers. A biopsy (or small piece of removed tissue) is the only way to differentiate between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps. Although its impossible to tell which adenomatous polyps will become cancers, larger polyps are more likely to become cancers and some of the largest ones (those larger than 1 inch) can already contain small areas of cancer. Because your doctor cannot be certain of the tissue type by the polyps appearance, doctors generally recommend removing all but the smallest polyps. How Are Polyps Found? Most polyps cause no symptoms. Larger ones can cause blood in the stools, but even they are usually asymptomatic. Therefore, the best way to detect polyps is by screening individuals with no symptom
