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.
Colon polyps are often diagnosed during screening to check for colon or rectal cancer. Tests include:
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Computerized tomography (CT) colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy)
- Stool test
- Capsule colonoscopy
- Ultrasound (not usually used)
Tests used to diagnose stomach (gastric) polyps include:
- Endoscopy with biopsy
- Barium X-ray test, such as an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series
Ear (aural) polyps are diagnosed with a physical exam of the ear canal and middle ear using an otoscope or microscope.
Nasal polyps are diagnosed with:
- A physical exam of the sinuses with a special tool that has a light on it
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Cervical polyps are usually discovered during a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear.
Uterine polyps are diagnosed with:
- Hysteroscopy
- A special type of X-ray (hystosalpingography)
- Saline sonography
- Transvaginal ultrasound
Polyps in the throat and vocal folds (larynx) may be diagnosed with an endoscopy.
What Are Polyps?
Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that form on any part of the body that has mucus membranes. They may be flat or may project from the tissue by a stalk (pedunculated).
Colon polyps are the most common type of polyp. Other common types of polyps include:
- Stomach (gastric polyp)
- Ear (aural polyp)
- Nose/sinuses
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Throat and vocal folds (larynx)
There are several different types of polyps, and some polyps have the potential to become cancerous.
What Are Symptoms of Polyps?
Symptoms of polyps depend on their location. Polyps often have no symptoms.
When symptoms of polyps occur, they may include the signs detailed in the table below.
| Polyp Type/Location | Signs & Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Colon Polyps |
|
| Stomach (Gastric) Polyps |
|
| Ear (Aural) Polyps |
|
| Nasal Polyps |
|
| Cervical and Uterine Polyps |
|
| Throat and Vocal Folds (Larynx) Polyps |
|
What Causes Polyps?
Causes of polyps very depending on their location in the body.
Causes of colon polyps include:
- Lifestyle
- Diet high in red meat
- Low-fiber, high fat diet
- Smoking
- Aging
- Obesity
- Family history of colon polyps
Causes of stomach (gastric) polyps include:
- Ulcers
- Chronic inflammatory stomach issues
- H. pylori infection
- Use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Pernicious anemia
Causes of ear (aural) polyps include:
- Foreign object stuck in ear
- Inflammation of the ear
- Abnormal skin growth in the ear (cholesteatoma)
- Tumor
Causes of nasal polyps include:
Causes of cervical polyps include:
- Chronic inflammation
- Abnormal response to estrogen, a female hormone
- Infection of the cervix
- Clogged blood vessels in the cervical canal
Causes of uterine polyps include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Obesity
- Hormonal changes, such as due to perimenopause or menopause
- Use of tamoxifen (Soltamox, Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer
Causes of polyps in the throat and vocal folds (larynx) include:
What Is the Treatment for Polyps?
Some types of polyps may not need treatment and may go away on their own.
Other polyps carry a risk of becoming cancerous and need to be removed. Surgical removal of polys (polypectomy) is the most common treatment for polyps that cause symptoms or that have a potential to be cancerous.
Depending on the location and type of polyp, different or additional treatments may be indicated, which are listed in the table below.
| Polyp Type/Location | Types of Treatment |
|---|---|
| Ear (Aural) Polyps |
|
| Nasal Polyps |
|
| Cervical and Uterine Polyps |
|
| Throat and Vocal Folds (Larynx) Polyps |
|
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
From 
Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/g/gastric-polyps.html
https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/prevent/colon-polyps/
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/aural-polyps
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nasal-polyps-the-basics?search=nasal%20polyps&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~147&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/womens-health-maternity/obgyn-conditions/cervical-polyps
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/uterine-polyps/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22806624/