Hemorrhoid Polyps and Bowels

Although more commonly found higher in the large bowel on sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, polyps may also be seen on anoscopy or protruding from the anus . Adenomatous polyps (tubular, tubulovillous and villous) are precursors to cancer and are also termed "neoplastic polyps."28 They must be distinguished from hyperplastic polyps, which are usually quite small (less than 5 mm) and have no neoplastic potential,29 and the inflammatory pseudopolyps associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The finding of an adenomatous polyp, regardless of size, is an indication for a total colonic examination.30 Biopsy is required to distinguish hyperplastic polyps from small adenomatous polyps.