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Sigmoidoscopy: Types of Colon Polyps

Photographs of colon polyps visible with a sigmoidoscope

Photo credit: Jacqueline Littée, RN. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved.

A polyp is a small growth of excess tissue that often grows on a stem or stalk on the inner surface of the large intestine (colon). Most polyps do not contain cancer cells. But some polyps can become cancerous over time.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised December 7, 2011

Last Revised: December 7, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology

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