Polyp (medicine) facts for kids

A polyp is a small growth of tissue that can form on the inside lining of different parts of your body. Think of it like a tiny bump or a small mushroom growing on a surface. Polyps are often found in places like the colon (large intestine), stomach, nose, or ear.

Some polyps have a thin "stalk" that connects them to the body's surface, like a mushroom stem. These are called pedunculated polyps. Others lie flat against the surface and don't have a stalk; these are called sessile polyps.

What Are Polyps?

Polyps are usually harmless and don't cause any problems. They are not always a sign of something serious. Many people have polyps and don't even know it. They are simply an extra growth of cells.

Where Do Polyps Grow?

Polyps can grow in many different places inside your body. The most common places include:

• Colon: These are called colorectal polyps and are found in the large intestine. They are very common, especially as people get older.
• Stomach: These are called gastric polyps and grow in the lining of the stomach.
• Nose: Nasal polyps can grow in your nose or sinuses. They can sometimes make it harder to breathe through your nose.
• Ear: Ear polyps can sometimes form in the ear canal or middle ear.
• Uterus: Uterine polyps can grow in the lining of the uterus (womb).

Are Polyps Always a Problem?

Most polyps are benign, which means they are not harmful or cancerous. They are just extra tissue. However, some types of polyps, especially in the colon, can sometimes change over time and become cancerous. This is why doctors sometimes recommend checking for and removing certain polyps, especially in adults. For kids, polyps are usually not a big concern.

Images for kids

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  Micrograph of a Peutz–Jeghers colonic polyp - a type of hamartomatous polyp. H&E stain.

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  Incidences and malignancy risks of various types of colorectal polyps.

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  Relative incidences of gastric polyps.

See also

In Spanish: Pólipo (medicina) para niños