A sessile polyp is a type of polyp that is flatter and disc-shaped, and has a wider base than normal. Polyps in general are caused by abnormal growth of tissue along the wall of an organ, such as the intestines, stomach or uterus, but they can also appear in the ear or throat.

A sessile polyp rarely causes symptoms, however, very large polyps or clusters of polyps in the same area can lead to symptoms like rectal bleeding, cramping or abdominal pain, depending on the location.

It is important for sessile polyp to be identified and removed, as in some cases it can be an early sign of cancer. It is common for sessile polyps to be removed immediately during diagnostic procedures, such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Is a polyp a sign of cancer?

Although polyps may be considered an early sign of cancer, that is not always the case. There are several types of polyps that present with specific characteristics and in certain locations, and only after considering all the factors involved can it be deemed to be a sign of early cancer.

Depending on the location and type of cell that forms the polyp tissue, sessile polyps can be classified as:

Sessile serrated: has a saw-like appearance, is considered a pre-cancerous type and, therefore, must be removed;
Villous: has a high risk of being cancer and usually appears in cases of colon cancer;
Tubular: is the most common type of polyp and generally has a very low risk of being cancer;
Tubulovillous: has a growth pattern similar to tubular and villous adenoma, and therefore its degree of malignancy can vary.

Since most polyps have some risk of becoming cancerous, even if low, they should be completely removed after being identfieid, to prevent them from continuing to grow and developing intro cancer.

Confirming a diagnosis

The diagnosis of sessile polyps is made by the doctor through an endoscopy when evaluating the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, or through a colonoscopy when evaluating the wall of the intestines.

Possible causes

The causes of sessile polyps are still not fully known, however, there are risk factors associated with the growth of polyps, such as:

Obesity
A high-fat and low-fiber diet
Eating red meat in large quantities
Being over 50 years old
A family history of polyps
Use of cigarettes or alcohol
Gastroesophageal reflux or gastritis

In addition, people who maintain high-calorie diets and who do not exercise frequently also appear to have a higher risk of developing a polyp.

Treatment options

Polyps are almost always treated once they are diagnosed, during an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Once visualized, they are removed from the wall of the organ.

However, if the polyp is very large, it may be necessary to schedule surgery to remove it completely. This is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia, since an incision in the wall of the organ is needed to remove it.

It is important that after the polyp has been removed, especially in cases where surgical removal was necessary, to continue to see your doctor for routine tests and monitoring to rule out the possibility of new polyps.