What To Do If You Have Rectal Polyps

Rectal polyps refer to abnormal growths that develop along the inner lining of the rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine connecting to the anus. If a person is diagnosed with rectal polyps, it is generally recommended to undergo endoscopic treatment. This may involve removal techniques such as cauterization, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). After removal, a biopsy is performed to determine the nature of the lesion and guide further treatment planning.

Understanding Rectal Polyps

Rectal polyps are defined as abnormal tissue growths that protrude into the rectal lumen from the mucosal surface. They are commonly found in the lower rectum and may appear round or elongated with a stalk. Most rectal polyps consist of mucosal tissue and glands connected to the intestinal wall. Some, however, are sessile (without a stalk), and these should be closely monitored due to a higher risk of malignancy. In particular, laterally spreading tumors in the colon have a significantly higher risk of becoming cancerous compared to pedunculated (stalked) tumors. Additionally, solitary rectal polyps tend to have a higher risk of malignancy than multiple polyps.

Types of Rectal Polyps

Rectal polyps can be classified into several types based on their histological characteristics. These include inflammatory polyps, hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps, and hamartomatous polyps. Among these, adenomatous polyps carry the highest risk of progressing to cancer. Although rectal polyps can occur at any age, they are especially common in children. One of the most common symptoms in pediatric cases is rectal bleeding during bowel movements, which is often mistaken for anal bleeding. However, this bleeding typically originates from the rectum rather than the anus, and rectal polyps should be considered as a possible cause.