Different Types of Polyps
Polyps are classified by shape (pedunculated vs sessile) and whether they will turn into cancer or not (malignant/neoplastic vs benign/non-neoplastic).
Pedunculated vs Sessile Polyps
Pedunculated Polyps are polyps that have a stem or stalk and look like a mushroom. These polyps are easiest to find during a colonoscopy.
Sessile Polyps are polyps that are flat or have a slightly raised dome. These can be harder to see during a colonoscopy.
Malignant vs Benign
Malignant refers to cancerous growths that can spread to other parts of the body (this is known as metastasis). Malignant polyps in your colon are called Neoplastic Polyps.
Benign refers to non-cancerous growths that stay local and don’t spread. Benign polyps in your colon are called Non-Neoplastic Polyps.
Neoplastic vs Non-Neoplastic Types of Polyps
Neoplastic Polyps Include:
- Adenomas: The most common type of neoplastic polyp. Some adenomas have a higher risk of turning into cancer than others.
- Tubular Adenomas: These polyps look like tubes and have a lower risk of becoming cancer.
- Villous Adenomas: These polyps have an irregular shape and a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
- Tubulovillous Adenomas: These polyps are a mix of both tubular and villous types and have an average risk of turning into cancer.
- Sessile Serrated Polyps: These are flat or slightly raised, saw-tooth-like polyps that are considered precancerous.
- Traditional Serrated Adenomas: These look like a saw-tooth pattern and are also considered precancerous.
Non-Neoplastic Polyps Include:
- Hyperplastic Polyps: These are very common and have a very low risk of becoming cancer.
- Juvenile Polyps: These are more common in children. Most juvenile polyps are benign and not associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, however, is a hereditary condition characterized by multiple juvenile polyps and can drastically increase the risk of colon or other GI cancers, and should be closely monitored.
To learn more, click here → https://coloncancercoalition.org/all-about-polyps/
