POLYPS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
A polyp, a mass of tissue that arises from the surface and extends into the lumen of the gasÂtrointestinal tract, usually represents an overÂgrowth of epithelial cells. Polyps can be single or multiple, sporadic or familial, pedunculated (on a stalk) or sessile (flat based), neoplastic or nonÂneoplastic, as well as benign or malignant. They can also occur virtually anywhere in the gastroinÂtestinal tract. The polyps of greatest importance, however, are those found in the colon, so these will receive primary attention. A simplified clasÂsification of colonic polyps is given in Table 41-3. Only the neoplastic polyps and those benign polyps associated with the familial polyposis synÂdromes will be discussed here.