Colon Polyp

UrbanFox

I know the rules ! I do not want medical advice just some information, please !

An elderly relative had a colonoscopy done recently. All was OK bar one little polyp which they were advised to have removed. That is a matter for my relative to sort out with her doctor and I am not asking anyone here for advice on it.

However, I do not really have a clue as to what a colon polyp is. I never heard of such a thing before this week. For my own information could someone please explain to me what exactly a colon polyp is ? Is it a harmful thing or can it be left alone or what ?

Any info would be appreciated.

Kevster

The World Wide Web is an excellent source of information on this. Just type-in 'Colon Polyp' into a search-engine and you will find lots of information. It's important to remember that most are benign and will fade-away just like skin-tags / warts do.


I have Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic condition of the large intestine. I don't get polyps as such. In U.C. I think they're referred to as pseudopolyps.

Take care,
Kevin.

UrbanFox

Thanks Kevin.

Kevster

De nada (you're welcome).

nettranny

I don't know what they are, but if anyone knows what they are, perhaps they also know the origin of the word "Polyp" and what is the connection between colonic polyp and one of the forms of an animal belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria(called a "polyp" also). I'm sure(and by that i mean im guessing) it has some relationship with Medusa (which is the other form of a Cnidarian) and perhaps is also some mythical creature. If they do, I will be very grateful for the information and ill make sure to punch kev next time i see him.

nettranny

I just took my finger out of my bum and looked it up:
From wikipedia"The name polyp was given to these organisms from their supposed resemblance to an octopus (Fr. poulpe), with its circle of writhing arms round the mouth"

Gone West

nettranny wrote:

I just took my finger out of my bum and looked it up:

I couldn't be arsed looking it up, tbh.

Let the hilarious pun fest begin

Kevster

nettranny wrote:

If they do, I will be very grateful for the information and ill make sure to punch kev next time i see him.

Are you referring to me there? If you are then I will say this: You may punch me all you want - continuously in fact - because suicide is always on my mind and if you could provide a final blow to my already shattered life then that would be just great.


Anyway, I am well-aware of Polyps (e.g. Sea-anemone, Coral, & Hydra) and Medusae (e.g. Obelia & jellyfish). They all belong to the Coelenterata phylum as far as I remember. Also, I already figured out in my head long ago that polyps were named 'Polyps' (the animals) because of the resemblances between their structures. I studied Taxonomy briefly and it was a pure joy.


Take care,
Kevin.

nettranny

^The term "phylum coelenterata" is no longer used in taxonomy. It was the old name for the grouping of Porifera(sponges)/Cnidaria(the groups you just mentioned)/ Ctenophora (comb jellies). The 3 groups are now recognised separately. But, the term "coelenterate" is still often used loosely to describe Cnidarians