Is a Polyp a Tumor?: Polyps are a very common type of benign (noncancerous) tumor. Polyps that can become cancerous include adenomatous polyps (adenomas), hyperplastic polyps, and sessile-serrated and traditional-serrated polyps. Polyps can appear in any part of the body where there are mucus membranes, including the colon, stomach, ears, nose/sinuses, cervix, uterus, and throat and larynx. Colon polyps are the most common.

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Are Polyps Dangerous

Some types of polyps (abnormal growths mucous membrane tissue) may not need treatment and may go away on their own. Other polyps carry a risk of becoming cancerous and need to be removed.
Cancer of the Small Intestine

The small intestine is located between the stomach and the large intestine (colon). It can be affected by several different types of cancerous or malignant tumors: adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, sarcomas, and carcinoid tumors. Treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. Get the facts on colon cancer (colorectal cancer) signs, symptoms, causes, prognosis, treatment, and prevention screening through colonoscopy.
Colon Cancer and Genetic Testing

Genetic tests can determine the risk of colon cancer in people who have a history of the disease in their family; there are specific gene mutations researchers have discovered. Unfortunately, this is only helpful to a minority of patients because familial colon cancer comprises only about five percent of colon cancer cases.
CT Scan vs Colonoscopy

CT scans utilize X-rays to form images of organs and tissues inside the body (for example, abdominal organs, brain, chest, lungs, heart) while colonoscopy is a procedure that can visualize only the inside surface of the colon. CT scans use radiation (X-rays) to form images while colonoscopy uses a flexible instrument equipped with a light and camera to form images, and it may be used to collect biopsy of colon tissues and/or polyp removal.
CT Scan vs Endoscopy

CT scans utilize X-rays to form images of organs and tissues inside the body (for example, abdominal organs, brain, chest, lungs, heart) while endoscopy is a procedure that can visualize only the inside surface of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Colon Cancer Symptoms vs Hemorrhoids

Colon cancer and hemorrhoids are different problems that affect the colon, rectum, and anus. Colon cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the colon multiplying, creating cancerous tumors. Hemorrhoids are painful swollen blood vessels and inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue. There are three types of hemorrhoids, internal, external, and thrombosed (ruptured). Hemorrhoids can lead to colon cancer. Similar signs and symptoms of colon cancer and hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, and feeling as if you haven't finished a bowel movement. Colon cancer symptoms that do not occur with hemorrhoids are unexplained nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Hemorrhoid symptoms that do not occur in colon cancer are pain as the hemorrhoid swells or ruptures, anal itching, and a lump outside of the anus. Colon cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in the colon that continue to multiply, which causes cancerous tumors. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels and inflammation near the anus. There are three types of hemorrhoids, internal, external, and ruptured. Hemorrhoids can lead to colon cancer. Both colon cancer and hemorrhoids can cause rectal bleeding, blood mixed in the stool, and the feeling that you have not completed a bowel movement. Colon cancer symptoms that are different from hemorrhoids are abdominal pain, unexplained nausea and vomiting, narrow or ribbon-like stools, and constipation.
Colon Cancer vs IBS (Irritable Bowel) Symptoms

Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have common symptoms and signs, for example, constipation, the feeling of still having to go to the bathroom after a bowel movement, and changes in bowel movements. Colon cancer causes rectal bleeding while IBS does not. Other signs and symptoms of colon cancer that do not occur in IBS include anemia due to blood loss, fatigue, pale skin, unexplained weight loss, and rectal pain. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that do not occur with colon cancer include abdominal cramping and pain that is relieved with bowel movements. Alternating periods of constipation (IBS-C) and diarrhea (IBS-D), intestinal gas, passing mucous from the rectum, bloating, and abdominal distension. Many people with IBS have indigestion, however, it is not a symptom of IBS. Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the colon. If these abnormal cells spread through the colon wall the cancer can spread to other areas of the body (metastasize). IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious and does not cause colon cancer.
Do Polyps Show on Ultrasound

Polyps are diagnosed with physical examination of the affected area, and different types of tests may be used depending on where the polyps are located in the body. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken of a polyp to determine if it is cancerous. Polyps do show up on ultrasound, though it is not usually the primary screening method for polyps.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

With the procedure known as gastrointestinal endoscopy, a doctor is able to see the inside lining of your digestive tract. This examination is performed using an endoscope -- a flexible fiberoptic tube, usually with the patient under sedation.
Colon Cancer Symptoms vs Ulcerative Colitis

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is cancer that originates from the color or rectum, and is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the US. Ulcerative colitis or UC is not cancer, but is a disease that causes inflammation, irritation, swelling, and sores on the inner lining of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease. Colon cancer and ulcerative colitis have similar signs and symptoms, for example, abdominal/cramping and/or pain, fatigue, anemia due to blood loss, rectal bleeding, frequent loose bowel movements, and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for getting colon cancer, however, it does not cause cancer. Colon cancer can spread to other organs and areas of the body (metastasize) while ulcerative colitis only occurs in the large intestine. Treatment, cure, and survival rates for colon cancer depends upon the type of cancer, stage, and health of the individual. Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured; however, symptoms and recurrence of the disease can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths on the surface of the colon or large intestine. Learn about symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Colon Polyps and Diverticulitis Symptoms and Signs

Colon polyps and diverticulitis are not the same thing. Diverticulitis occurs when a diverticulum ruptures and becomes infected, and colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Diverticulitis is not caused by colon polyps; however, if you have diverticulitis you may be at higher risk of getting colon cancer. Moreover, approximately 1% of colon polyps may turn into cancer. There are differences between the symptoms and signs of colon polyps vs. diverticulitis. Colon polyps symptoms that usually do not occur with diverticulitis include black stools, changes in the shape of stools, and anemia. Symptoms of diverticulitis that do not occur with colon polyps include painful urination, persistent fever, inflammation, and constipation from the infection. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of diverticulitis, for example, persistent abdominal pain that usually is in the lower-left abdominal area, constant unexplained fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting, recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), and rectal bleeding. If you have a lot of blood or a steady flow of blood coming from your rectum, call 911 or go to the nearest Urgent Care or hospital Emergency Department.
Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon. Reasons for colonoscopy is to detect or diagnose diseases of the colon, for example, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other types of colitis, colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, and other bowel and rectal diseases. Risks for colonoscopy include colon perforation, infection, or bleeding.
CT Scan

What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body.
Endoscopy in Crohn Disease

Crohn's disease can be diagnosed by a variety of procedures and tests such as endoscopy. There are several different names for endoscopy, and it depends on what part of the digestive tract being examined. Types of endoscopy include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, and balloon endoscopy, or enteroscopy. Preparation for endoscopy depends on the type of test being performed. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, fever, anemia, decrease in appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain and cramping.
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors

A gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor is cancer that forms in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Some gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors have no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Carcinoid syndrome may occur if the tumor spreads to the liver or other parts of the body.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Genetic factors can increase the risk of having a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Signs of gastrointestinal stromal tumors include blood in the stool or vomit.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Children

Gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors (GIST) are rare and grow in the wall of the stomach or intestines. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment.
How Do I Know If I Have Fibroids or Polyps

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on the inside or outside of the uterus. Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that can form on any part of the body that has mucus membranes. Doctors use the following tests to diagnose uterine fibroids and polyps: pelvic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, hystosalpingography (a special type of X-ray), saline sonography
How Does Colon Cancer Start

Colon cancer typically starts as a benign polyp, which is an abnormal growth of tissue on the lining of the colon (large intestine). Some polyps are benign (non-cancerous) but may develop into cancer (become malignant).
How Long for Precancerous Polyps to Turn to Cancer

Colorectal polyps are irregular tissue growths that protrude from mucous membranes on the lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Colorectal polyps often have no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, changes in bowel habits, lower abdominal pain or discomfort, and fatigue due to blood loss over time.
How Painful Is a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are usually not painful, and patients generally do not feel anything at all. Most colonoscopies are performed using “intravenous sedation” or “twilight sedation” in which patients are drowsy, but comfortable and still breathing on their own.
Should I Be Worried About Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps usually are not a major concern, as most of them are benign (not cancerous) and they do not usually cause serious symptoms or complications. Rarely, in about 5% of cases, gallbladder polyps are cancerous. Polyps larger than ½” in diameter have a higher risk of becoming malignant (cancer).
What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Females

Colon cancer is caused when there is an out-of-control overgrowth of cells in the colon (large intestine). Colon cancer symptoms in women who are premenopausal may include abdominal bloating, cramping, and pain.
What Causes Polyps in the Colon?

Colon polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that project from mucous membranes on the lining of the large intestine (colon). They may be flat or may appear to be attached by a stalk (pedunculated).
What Does an Endoscopy Test For

An endoscopy is a catch-all term for a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope (a long surgical tool with a camera at the end) to view the inside of the body, whether through an orifice to examine the digestive tract or urinary system, for example, or through an incision such as used for the inspection of a joint.
Survival Rate for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors have a high survival rate if the cancer is caught early; 94% of people diagnosed with localized GI stromal tumors are alive five years later.
What Is the Treatment for Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are growths or lesions that form on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most gallbladder polyps are benign but in rare cases (about 5% of the time) they can be cancerous.
Why You Shouldn't Get a Colonoscopy

The American Cancer Society recommends healthy adults with no risk factors start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 up to age 75. Screening between ages 76 through 85 is based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. A colonoscopy is not necessary more than once every 5 to 10 years in people with a low risk of developing colorectal cancer.

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CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography) What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body.