Polyps are growths that can develop on the lining of various organs in the body, including the colon, rectum, ear canal, cervix, stomach, nose, uterus, throat, and bladder. They are caused by abnormal growth of cells, and often there is no obvious cause. Most polyps are benign, which means they are not cancerous, but some can turn into cancer over time if left untreated. There are different types of polyps, including:

• Nonneoplastic polyps: These typically do not become cancerous.
• Neoplastic polyps: These include adenomas and serrated types. Adenomas are the most likely to turn into cancer if given enough time to grow. Serrated polyps also may become cancerous, depending on their size and location.

Symptoms of polyps depend on the type and location of the polyp. Some common symptoms include:

• Ear canal polyps: Loss of hearing and bloody discharge from the ear.
• Cervical polyps: Typically no symptoms but can include abnormal bleeding or unusual discharge.
• Colorectal polyps: Blood in stool, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea.
• Nasal polyps: A feeling like a cold that wont go away, headaches, nose pain, or loss of smell.
• Uterine polyps: Irregular menstrual bleeding and infertility.
• Stomach polyps: Pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding.
• Throat polyps: Hoarse and breathy voice that develops over days to weeks.
• Bladder polyps: Blood in urine or painful and frequent urination.

Doctors can diagnose polyps by performing a biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample for examination by a pathologist. If a polyp is difficult to reach, for example in the colon, healthcare providers may remove it during a routine colonoscopy to prevent it from turning into cancer.