Definition: A polyp is a pre-cancerous (benign) growth that may occur in the colon. Polyps arise from the mucous membrane and can lead to colon cancer. This means that if left untreated, some polyps eventually will develop into colon cancer. Fortunately, polyps typically are easy to find and to remove before they become cancerous, during routine colon cancer screening tests, such as a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Pronunciation: pol-up
Also Known As: adenomatous polyp, growth, adenoma, benign tumor
