Polyposis: what to watch for and what you can do
Polyposis means having multiple polyps—small growths that can form on mucous membranes. Most people think of colon polyps, but polyps also appear in the nose, stomach, and other places. Some polyps are harmless, others need removal or close follow-up. This guide helps you spot signs, understand tests, and know practical next steps.
Types and common symptoms
There are a few common types you’ll hear about: nasal polyps and colorectal (colon) polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, painless lumps inside the nose or sinuses. They cause blocked noses, reduced sense of smell, runny nose, and frequent sinus infections. If you wake up congested or rely on sprays a lot, mention polyps to your doctor.
Colorectal polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Most cause no symptoms until they get bigger. Watch for blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation lasting weeks), unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, or vague abdominal pain. Family history matters: genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) cause dozens to hundreds of polyps and raise cancer risk.
How doctors check and treat polyps
Diagnosis depends on location. For nasal symptoms, doctors use nasal endoscopy or a CT scan. For colon polyps, the key test is colonoscopy. During colonoscopy, the doctor can remove polyps then and there (polypectomy) and send tissue to the lab. If you have many polyps or a family history, they may recommend genetic testing and more frequent surveillance.
Treatment varies. Small nasal polyps often shrink with steroid nasal sprays or short steroid courses. Larger or persistent nasal polyps may need endoscopic sinus surgery. For colon polyps, removing them lowers cancer risk—most are taken out during colonoscopy. If a polyp is large, recurrent, or shows worrying cell changes, surgeons and gastroenterologists will discuss wider treatment, including possible colectomy in severe hereditary cases.
Simple steps you can take now: keep track of symptoms (bleeding, smell loss, bowel changes), avoid smoking, eat a fiber-rich diet, and follow screening advice. If you have a first-degree relative with colon polyps or colon cancer, ask about earlier colonoscopy and genetic counseling.
When to call a doctor now: visible blood in stool, sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks, severe nasal blockage that won’t respond to sprays, or losing weight without trying. If you’re worried about family risk, bring your family health history to your appointment—this helps your provider pick the right tests and schedule.
Polyps often have simple fixes when caught early. Staying alert to symptoms, keeping up with screenings, and talking openly with your doctor gives you the best chance to avoid bigger problems later.
