Intestinal polyps

Abstract Intestinal polyps can occur anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon and rectum. In children, intestinal polyps are almost exclusively benign, but many have the potential to turn malignant in later life. This chapter will review their presentation, initial investigation, and treatment, and then present a summary on the underlying cause with reference to histology (juvenile polyp, hamartoma, adenoma), screening, surveillance, genetic review, and planning for long-term care in children with polyposis syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis). Single or small intestinal polyps can be excised endoscopically by cold biopsy, hot biopsy (with or without submucosal injection), or snare polypectomy. Endomucosal mucosal resection is the most invasive method and used for sessile polyps. Some low rectal polyps can be prolapsed through the anus and removed.