Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that form along the mucous membranes that are found on many organs throughout your body. There are many different types of polyps, but the most common are colon polyps, cervical polyps, endometrial/uterine polyps, and nasal polyps. The diagnostic procedures will vary for each of these different types of polyps.
Diagnosing Colon Polyps
Since it is possible for colon polyps to become cancerous, it is very important to find colon polyps in their early stages so they can be removed. If the polyps are already cancerous, your chances of successful treatment are greatly improved when they are caught in the early stages. The most commonly used screening methods for colon cancer include:
- Colonoscopy: This is an outpatient procedure that is the most helpful for identifying colon polyps. This exam is also good because your doctor is able to immediately remove any polyps that are found during the procedure to be biopsied and checked for signs of cancer.
- Virtual colonoscopy: Also referred to as a CT colonography, this is a minimally invasive exam that uses a CT scan to look at your colon. Since this procedure requires the same bowel prep as a colonoscopy, the only difference in this procedure and a colonoscopy is that if a polyp is found during the procedure, it will require another procedure (colonoscopy) to be removed and biopsied.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, lighted tube into your rectum to examine it and the last third of your colon. Again, if a polyp is found, you will still need a colonoscopy for it to be removed.
Diagnosing Cervical and Endometrial Polyps
If your gynecologist suspects that you might have uterine (endometrial) or cervical polyps, then he or she might recommend one of the following exams:
- Pelvic examination: Polyps of the cervix are fairly easy to detect during a routine pelvic examination. Since they generally protrude out from the cervical canal, your doctor will be able to see smooth, finger-like growths that are red or purple in color.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: During this procedure, a small, wand-like device is inserted into your vagina that emits sound waves and helps your doctor to create an image of the interior and exterior of your uterus. This can help your doctor see any polyps that may be present and need to be removed for biopsy.
- Hysteroscopy: This procedure requires a hysteroscope (thin, flexible, lighted telescope) to be inserted into your vagina, through your cervix, and into your uterus. This allows your doctor to see into the interior of your uterus and examine it for any polyps that may be present.
- Endometrial biopsy: This involves removing a section of your uterus using a suction catheter for testing in the lab. This could confirm that you have endometrial polyps, but this test also could potentially miss the presence of polyps altogether.
Diagnosing Nasal Polyps
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to nasal polyps, your doctor will usually be able to diagnose you with the condition through a general physical exam and by examining your nose using a lighted instrument. However, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic testing, including:
- Nasal endoscopy: This involves inserting a narrow, flexible tube that contains a small camera into your nose to examine your nasal cavity and sinuses.
- Allergy tests: This is a procedure that involves using skin pricks to introduce tiny drops of allergy causing agents to test for any allergies you might have. This test might be necessary to determine if any allergies are contributing to the chronic inflammation that can lead to nasal polyps.
- Imaging studies: This involves using computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests to help your doctor pinpoint the exact location and size of your polyps that have developed in the deeper areas of your sinuses.
- Tests for cystic fibrosis: Since it is rare for children to have nasal polyps, any young child who is diagnosed with the condition will also be tested for cystic fibrosis, which is an inherited condition that causes the glands to produce excessive mucus and other fluids.
