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Hyperplastic polyps

Hyperplastic polyps are a type of noncancerous (benign) growths found in the colon. They are usually small and make up about 10% to 30% of all colorectal polyps.

Hyperplastic polyps:

  • Usually are less than 10mm in size.
  • Increase in number as a person ages.
  • Do not develop into cancer.

A hyperplastic polyp does not look different from a small precancerous (adenomatous) polyp. Only a tissue sample (biopsy) can tell whether it is adenomatous.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter J. Kahrilas, MD
- Gastroenterology
Last Updated May 14, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 14, 2007
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