Polyps

A polyp is a growth of tissue from certain body surfaces. 

Polyps can occur in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach and colon. 

Most polyps occur without an obvious cause.

What are the symptoms of a polyp?

Polyps often cause no symptoms. 

Some symptoms that may occur include a change in bowel habit, abdominal discomfort or blood in the stool. 

A positive stool test (such as the National Bowel Cancer Screening test) or unexplained anaemia (low red blood cell count) may be a sign of a polyp.

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Why are polyps significant?

Most polyps are benign, meaning they are harmless.  However, if they are not looked for or not treated, they can sometimes become malignant (which means cancer).  For this reason, it is important to try to find and treat polyps when they are at the benign stage.

Some people have a higher risk of having polyps due to their family history or a personal history of previous polyps. 

Dr Zhu can determine your risk during your personalized consultation.

How are polyps diagnosed?

Polyps of the gastrointestinal tract are best found by looking with a camera via procedures called gastroscopy and colonoscopy. 

Dr Zhu performs both of these procedures.

How are polyps treated?

Most polyps can be removed at the time of endoscopy (gastroscopy or colonoscopy) using specialised devices.  Dr Zhu performs this advanced endoscopy technique.  Any polyps removed are examined microscopically by a specialist pathologist to determine their exact nature. 

There are some instances where a polyp is too large to be removed by conventional endoscopy.  Dr Zhu will personalize your treatment in this circumstance.