What Is Anal Polyp? Things to Know About Anal Polyps

What Is Anal Polyp?

Anal polyp is a usually benign (non-cancerous) tissue growth that develops inside the anal canal or around the anus. It often starts small and can exist for a long time without causing symptoms. For this reason, many people continue their lives without realizing they have an anal polyp. However, in some cases, the polyp may grow and cause bleeding, itching, or a sensation of discomfort.

Anal polyps are not a disease on their own but rather the result of structural changes developing in the anal region. Therefore, along with the question “what is anal polyp?”, the questions “what causes it and when should it be taken seriously?” are also important.

 

Is Anal Polyp the Same as Rectal Polyp?

In everyday usage, the terms “anal polyp” and “rectal polyp” are often used interchangeably to describe the same condition. Medically speaking, a polyp refers to tissue protrusions originating from the mucosa that are not hollow inside. Since anal polyps develop in the anal canal or around the anus, they are colloquially referred to as rectal polyps.

These polyps:

  1. Can be single or multiple
  2. May have a stalk or a broad base
  3. Their size can change over time

 

How Does Anal Polyp Form?

There is rarely a single cause for the formation of anal polyps. Most often, multiple factors play a role together.

 

Chronic Irritation and Straining

Long-term constipation, straining, and hard bowel movements continuously irritate the inner surface of the anal canal. This irritation can cause thickening of the mucosa over time and create a basis for polyp formation.

 

Inflammatory Processes

Recurring inflammations, cracks, or infections in the anal area can alter tissue structure and lead to polyp development. Particularly untreated anal fissures for long periods can accelerate this process.

 

Occurrence with Hemorrhoids

Anal polyps can be detected together with hemorrhoids in some patients. These two conditions may be confused with each other but are structurally different. While hemorrhoids are a vascular disease, polyps originate from mucosal tissue.

 

Does Anal Polyp Cause Symptoms?

Anal polyps often do not cause symptoms when small. However, as the polyp grows or is located in a sensitive area, some complaints may arise.

 

Most Common Symptoms

  1. Bleeding during or after bowel movements
  2. Feeling of fullness in the anus
  3. Itching or irritation
  4. Occasional discharge
  5. Rarely pain

These symptoms can be confused with diseases such as hemorrhoids or fissures, so differential diagnosis is important.

 

Is Anal Polyp Dangerous?

The vast majority of anal polyps are benign. However, it is not correct to say that every polyp is harmless. The risk may increase in polyps that are not followed up for a long time or are growing. Therefore, a detected anal polyp must definitely be evaluated.

Specifically:

  1. If there is continuous bleeding
  2. If the polyp is growing rapidly
  3. If there is a change in shape or color

should not be neglected.

 

How Is Anal Polyp Detected?

Anal polyps are usually detected by:

  1. Physical examination
  2. Anoscopy

Some polyps can be seen from the outside, while others are only noticed during examination. It is often not possible for a person to realize they have a polyp on their own.

 

Does Anal Polyp Resolve on Its Own?

Anal polyps do not disappear on their own. Small polyps can remain the same size for a long time, but this does not mean they are completely harmless. Polyps that are left without follow-up may cause more complaints in the future.

 

Conclusion – Anal Polyp Requires Follow-up Despite Appearing Simple

Anal polyp is often not a serious disease, but it’s a condition that should not be neglected. Polyps detected early and evaluated correctly help prevent potential problems that might develop later.

Therefore:

  1. If there is bleeding, itching, or a feeling of fullness in the anal area
  2. If complaints are recurring
  3. If they have been continuing for a long time

the most appropriate approach is to undergo evaluation to clarify the underlying cause.

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