They are “false” polyps that form because of inflammation in the colon.
When pseudopolyps (also called inflammatory polyps) are present, it means that inflammation is present.
When pseudopolyps heal, they can leave scar tissue.
Maskot / Getty Images
Maskot / Getty Images
Pseudopolyps vs. Other Colon Polyps
Apolypis an abnormal growth in the body.
When a polyp is found in the large intestine or the colon, it is either precancerous or cancerous.
The risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer increases with age.
They can be found anywhere in thecolonor rectum.
Bothtypes of polypsare found in the lining (mucosa) of the colon.
They can be flat (sessile) or have a stalk like a mushroom (pedunculated).
Pseudopolyps are often smaller.
They can also be finger-like or worm-like in shape and may appear in clusters.
Differences
Colon polyps can become colorectal cancer if they are not removed and they continue to grow.
Colon polyps will not go away on their own.
They need to be removed (called apolypectomy) so that they don’t become a more serious problem.
Removed polyps are tested to see if they contain cancerous cells.
A pseudopolyp is not precancerous or cancerous.
This specific kind of polyp is found in people who live with IBD.
Pseudopolyps are sparked by inflammation in the colon.
Pseudopolyps don’t turn into cancer over time.
They are not removed when they are found because they aren’t precancerous.
Gastroenterologistsorcolon and rectal surgeonscan usually tell the difference between a colon polyp and a pseudopolyp seen during a colonoscopy.
Pseudopolyps in IBD: What to Know
Pseudopolyps are common in IBD.
They are found more often in people with ulcerative colitis than they are in people with Crohn’s disease.
Pseudopolyps are found in the colon of 10% to 20% of people who live with an IBD.
An inflammatory pseudopolyp is acute (occurs suddenly) and develops when there is inflammation in the colon.
A healed pseudopolyp was inflamed and has resolved but left scar tissue.
People with pseudopolyps should have regular colonoscopies to monitor them.
They should work with their healthcare provider to devise a schedule.
Pseudopolyps in Other Locations
Pseudopolyps can also appear in other parts of the body.
They are usually found incidentally, meaning when testing is being done for another symptom or purpose.
Pseudopolyps have been found in the gallbladderand the stomach.
Risks and Flare Complications
Pseudopolyps may be the result or complication of a flare-up of IBD.
People who live with IBD are already at an increased risk of developing colon and rectal cancer.
Having pseudopolyps does not seem to increase that risk any further.
People develop pseudopolyps because they have inflammation in the colon.
Having inflammation that goes on for a long period is a risk factor for colon cancer.
Colectomy surgery is a treatment option for IBD.
Managing Chronic Inflammation With Pseudopolyps
Pseudopolyps aren’t usually removed.
There’s no specific treatment recommended to manage them.
People might not even know that they have them, but in some cases they could cause symptoms.
Large pseudopolyps can cause symptoms ofbloating,diarrhea, andabdominal pain.
But this isn’t a common occurrence.
The most important part ofmanaging IBDis controlling the inflammation.
Inflammation causes pseudopolyps and many other issues, both in and outside the intestines.
This includes amedicationplan and how often to monitor the colon’s lining.
Managing IBD involves more than medication.
Summary
Pseudopolyps are not a precursor to cancer.
They do indicate, however, that IBD is causing inflammation in the digestive system.
2019;1(3):otz033.
doi:10.1093/crocol/otz033
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Basic facts about colorectal cancer.
Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.
2017;23(9):1541-1551. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.
2022;12(1):155. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12010155
Joo DC, Kim GH.Gastric oxyntic mucosa pseudopolyps.Clin Endosc.
2019;156(5):1333-1344.e3.
