Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPseudopolyps vs. PolypsIn IBDRisks and ComplicationsManaging Inflammation
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Pseudopolyps vs. Polyps
In IBD
Risks and Complications
Managing Inflammation
Apseudopolypis a type of polyp that may be found in the colon of a person who has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 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. Unlike other types of colon polyps, pseudopolyps are not thought to lead to cancer, and they are not removed.
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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. Pseudopolyps are a type of polyp that occur withinflammatory bowel disease(Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis, orindeterminate colitis).
The risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer increases with age. The following may help lower the risk of developingpolyps and colon cancer:
Similarities
Polyps and pseudopolyps are both types of abnormal growths. 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. This is why screening for colon cancer using acolonoscopyis recommended for people over the age of 45 at average risk and earlier for other groups at higher risk.
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.
Pseudopolyps might be found during a colonoscopy, an intestinal ultrasound,or another test to diagnose and monitor IBD. 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. They are more common when most or all of the colon is inflamed and the disease has continued for about eight to 10 years.
Pseudopolyps are sometimes classified into subtypes, such as “inflammatory” or “healed,” or in other more clinical terms. 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. It could mean getting a colonoscopy every year, but it could also be moved to two- or three-year intervals.
Pseudopolyps in Other LocationsPseudopolyps 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.
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.
Research shows that people who have had a severe flare-up of IBD are more likely to have pseudopolyps in their colon. People with inflammation throughout the colon are far more likely to have pseudopolyps than those with inflammation only in the last part of the colon.
What to Know About Stomach Polyps
Cancer Risk
Because they contain the word “polyps,” pseudopolyps are sometimes confused with being precancerous.
Pseudopolyps themselves are not thought to be a sign that someone is at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. 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.
However, there is another important point to make when it comes to pseudopolyps and the risk of colorectal cancer. 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.
So, while the pseudopolyps themselves might not be cancerous, the fact that they are present (or have healed) means a lot of inflammation is occurring, which is a risk of colon cancer.
Risk of Colectomy
Research also shows that there may be a connection between having pseudopolyps and the risk of getting acolectomy(removal of the colon). 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. If they become so large they block the intestine, they could become a risk for ablockage(bowel obstruction). 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.
For that reason, it is important to see a healthcare provider regularly and develop a treatment plan for IBD. This includes amedicationplan and how often to monitor the colon’s lining.
Managing IBD involves more than medication. Other aspects of overall health for people with IBD include following a healthful diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and seeing healthcare providers on a regular basis for other screenings and care.
There’s no evidence that abdominal massage,cupping, or other adjunctive therapies would be helpful for pseudopolyps or managing the inflammation in IBD.
Summary
Pseudopolyps are not a precursor to cancer. They do indicate, however, that IBD is causing inflammation in the digestive system. The goal of treating IBD is to reduce inflammation so it does not advance the disease or contribute to a higher risk of cancer.
Pseudopolyps are not removed when they are seen during a colonoscopy, and there is no specific treatment except for managing the underlying IBD.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rezapour M, Quintero MA, Khakoo NS, et al.Reclassifying pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel disease: histologic and endoscopic description in the new era of mucosal healing.Crohns Colitis 360. 2019;1(3):otz033. doi:10.1093/crocol/otz033American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Basic facts about colorectal cancer.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(9):1541-1551. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Mendes SS, Lepore F, Hussey M, Cataletti G, De Silvestri A, Maconi G.Sonographic detection of massive colonic pseudopolyposis in inflammatory bowel diseases.J Ultrasound. 2024;27(1):137-143. doi:10.1007/s40477-023-00853-wFosio M, Cherobin G, Stramare R, Fassan M, Giraudo C.Coronary artery disease and gallbladder inflammatory pseudopolyps.Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(1):155. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12010155Joo DC, Kim GH.Gastric oxyntic mucosa pseudopolyps.Clin Endosc. 2021;54(4):621-622. doi:10.5946/ce.2020.157Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, Sauer BG, Long MD.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Ten Hove JR, et al.No association between pseudopolyps and colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1333-1344.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.067
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rezapour M, Quintero MA, Khakoo NS, et al.Reclassifying pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel disease: histologic and endoscopic description in the new era of mucosal healing.Crohns Colitis 360. 2019;1(3):otz033. doi:10.1093/crocol/otz033American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Basic facts about colorectal cancer.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(9):1541-1551. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Mendes SS, Lepore F, Hussey M, Cataletti G, De Silvestri A, Maconi G.Sonographic detection of massive colonic pseudopolyposis in inflammatory bowel diseases.J Ultrasound. 2024;27(1):137-143. doi:10.1007/s40477-023-00853-wFosio M, Cherobin G, Stramare R, Fassan M, Giraudo C.Coronary artery disease and gallbladder inflammatory pseudopolyps.Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(1):155. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12010155Joo DC, Kim GH.Gastric oxyntic mucosa pseudopolyps.Clin Endosc. 2021;54(4):621-622. doi:10.5946/ce.2020.157Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, Sauer BG, Long MD.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Ten Hove JR, et al.No association between pseudopolyps and colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1333-1344.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.067
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rezapour M, Quintero MA, Khakoo NS, et al.Reclassifying pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel disease: histologic and endoscopic description in the new era of mucosal healing.Crohns Colitis 360. 2019;1(3):otz033. doi:10.1093/crocol/otz033American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.Basic facts about colorectal cancer.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(9):1541-1551. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Mendes SS, Lepore F, Hussey M, Cataletti G, De Silvestri A, Maconi G.Sonographic detection of massive colonic pseudopolyposis in inflammatory bowel diseases.J Ultrasound. 2024;27(1):137-143. doi:10.1007/s40477-023-00853-wFosio M, Cherobin G, Stramare R, Fassan M, Giraudo C.Coronary artery disease and gallbladder inflammatory pseudopolyps.Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(1):155. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12010155Joo DC, Kim GH.Gastric oxyntic mucosa pseudopolyps.Clin Endosc. 2021;54(4):621-622. doi:10.5946/ce.2020.157Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, Sauer BG, Long MD.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Ten Hove JR, et al.No association between pseudopolyps and colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1333-1344.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.067
Rezapour M, Quintero MA, Khakoo NS, et al.Reclassifying pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel disease: histologic and endoscopic description in the new era of mucosal healing.Crohns Colitis 360. 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.
Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(9):1541-1551. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.
Mendes SS, Lepore F, Hussey M, Cataletti G, De Silvestri A, Maconi G.Sonographic detection of massive colonic pseudopolyposis in inflammatory bowel diseases.J Ultrasound. 2024;27(1):137-143. doi:10.1007/s40477-023-00853-w
Fosio M, Cherobin G, Stramare R, Fassan M, Giraudo C.Coronary artery disease and gallbladder inflammatory pseudopolyps.Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(1):155. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12010155
Joo DC, Kim GH.Gastric oxyntic mucosa pseudopolyps.Clin Endosc. 2021;54(4):621-622. doi:10.5946/ce.2020.157
Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, Sauer BG, Long MD.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152
Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Ten Hove JR, et al.No association between pseudopolyps and colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1333-1344.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.067
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