A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk, it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present, it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, ear, sinus(es), urinary bladder, and uterus.
They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix vocal folds, and small intestine. Some polyps are tumors (neoplasms) and others are nonneoplastic (for example, hyperplastic or dysplastic).
The neoplastic ones are generally benign, although some can be premalignant and/or concurrent with a malignancy.
They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix vocal folds, and small intestine. Some polyps are tumors (neoplasms) and others are nonneoplastic (for example, hyperplastic or dysplastic).
The neoplastic ones are generally benign, although some can be premalignant and/or concurrent with a malignancy.