What is the difference between polyp and tumor

However, because nearly all colon cancers start as polyps, it is important to understand what they are and what should be done in the event they are found. Colon polyps are very common and are not a cause for concern in and of themselves. There are several kinds of colon polyps, the most common of which are:. Most colon polyps do not cause any symptoms, but when they do, symptoms tend to be limited to black or bloody stools.

In the event that colon polyps are found, they will be removed either endoscopically or surgically and then sent to a lab to be analyzed.

The results of the analysis will show if the polyps are cancerous and will determine the kind of follow-up care that is necessary. Our patients also have access to counselors, social workers, dietitians and other helpful supportive care specialists who will help to ensure their needs are being met as they undergo treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation at Moffitt, call or fill out a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required. Most polyps remain small and harmless — we call these hyperplastic polyps. But some develop other abnormalities and begin to grow unchecked — these are called adenomatous polyps.

We refer to adenomatous polyps as pre-cancerous polyps because they are not cancerous yet, but they have the potential to become cancerous. Given enough time to grow and develop, some adenomatous polyps can spread into surrounding tissues and infiltrate the two highway systems of the body: the bloodstream and the lymph nodes. This ability to invade and spread, or metastasize, is how we define a cancer. Does having a polyp mean that I will get cancer? No, but it does increase your risk.

Most polyps — even the adenomatous type — do not turn into cancer. However, nearly all colorectal cancers that do develop start out as polyps. Removing a polyp early makes sure that it will never have the chance to turn into cancer. People who have had polyps in the past are more likely to form additional polyps — that increases the risk of a future cancer and makes regular screenings even more important.

Shop Online. Contact Us. Cancer information What is cancer? Common cancer symptoms Facts and figures Explore What is cancer? What is a polyp? Polyps can develop in the: colon and rectum ear canal cervix stomach nose uterus throat bladder What causes polyps?

Polyps are caused by abnormal growth of cells and often there is no obvious cause. Polyps symptoms People may or may not have obvious symptoms if they have polyps. Some common symptoms include: ear canal polyps - loss of hearing and bloody discharge from the ear cervical polyps - typically no symptoms but can include abnormal bleeding or unusual discharge colorectal polyps - blood in stool, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea nasal polyps - a feeling like a cold that won't go away, headaches, nose pain or loss of smell uterine polyps - irregular menstrual bleeding and infertility stomach polyps - pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting or bleeding throat polyps - hoarse and breathy voice that develops over days to weeks bladder polyps - blood in urine or painful and frequent urination Polyps and cancer Most polyps are benign, which means they are harmless.