What is polyposis?

Also known as: polyposis syndromes, intestinal polyposis syndrome, gastrointestinal polyps, polyps.

Polyposis refers to a group of diseases that are known for causing polyps in the stomach or other areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps are clusters of cells that form on the lining of the GI tract that carry the risk of cancer over time and cause other problems.
 

What causes polyposis?

Polyposis can be a genetic disorder that is passed along from parents to their children. Certain medications or other stomach problems can increase the risk of getting polyps.
 

What are the symptoms of polyposis?

As the disease advances, symptoms may include nausea, bloody stools, abdominal pain or tenderness and anemia.

What are polyposis care options?

Some polyps only need to be monitored endoscopically to make sure they don’t become problematic. If they do, surgery to remove the polyps is an option or occasionally removal of parts of the intestines.

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Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM