Polyps

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What are polyps?

🔵 Polyps are small growths that can form on the inside lining of the digestive tract.
They are usually not painful and are often found during tests such as endoscopy or colonoscopy.

❓ Where can polyps grow?

Polyps can grow in different parts of the gut:

• 🍔 Stomach (gastric polyps)

• 🥖 Small intestine (duodenal polyps)

• 🚽 Large intestine (colon polyps)

❓ Do polyps cause symptoms?

😐 Many polyps cause no symptoms.
Some people may notice:

• 🩸 Blood in stool

• 🤕 Belly pain

• 💩 Diarrhea or constipation

• 😴 Tiredness (from low iron)

❓ Are polyps dangerous?

👍 Most polyps are not cancerous.
⚠️ Some polyps can turn into cancer over time, especially colon polyps.
That is why finding and removing them early is important.

❓ What are gastric (stomach) polyps?

🍔 Gastric polyps grow in the stomach.
They may:

• Be linked to stomach irritation or medicine use

• Cause low iron or vitamin B12

• Rarely cause pain or bleeding

❓ What are duodenal (small intestine) polyps?

🥖 Duodenal polyps grow in the first part of the small intestine.
They may:

• Affect how nutrients are absorbed

• Cause diarrhea or weight loss

• Need close follow-up

❓ What are colon polyps?

🚽 Colon polyps grow in the large intestine.
They may:

• Cause bleeding

• Change bowel habits

• Increase cancer risk if not removed

❓ How are polyps found?

🩺 Doctors find polyps using:

• 📸 Endoscopy (stomach or small intestine)

• 📸 Colonoscopy (colon)

• 🧪 Biopsy to check the polyp type

❓ How are polyps treated?

✅ Most polyps are:

• ✂️ Removed during endoscopy or colonoscopy

• 🔬 Checked in a lab

👉 Removing polyps helps prevent cancer.

❓ Can polyps come back?

🔁 Yes, some people can form new polyps.
That’s why:

• 📅 Follow-up exams are important

• 🩺 Regular screening saves lives

❓ How can I lower my risk of polyps?

• 🥦 Eat fruits, vegetables, and fiber

• 🚶 Stay active

• 🚭 Avoid smoking

• ⚖️ Keep a healthy weight

• 🧑‍⚕️ Get recommended screenings

❓ When should I call my doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

• Blood in stool

• Belly pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing diarrhea or constipation

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Polyps are common and often harmless
✅ Some polyps can turn into cancer if untreated
✅ Early detection and removal keep you healthy