Polyp

A polyp is an abnormal stalk-like growth on mucus membrane. Typical areas where polyps are noticed are nose, cervix, small intestine, gallbladder, stomach, colon and bladder.

An endometrial polyp is found within the uterine cavity and is usually benign. Women suffering this type of polyps experience irregular menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia and pain. Endometrial polyps can be diagnosed with a hysteroscopy.

Colorectal polyps might lead to symptoms such as blood or mucus in stool, abdominal pain and diarrhea. They are diagnosed with a colonoscopy or barium meal X-rays.

Nasal polyps are usually treated with steroids to curtail their growth. Sometimes, they are surgically removed.

Colorectal polyps are nearly always removed and tested for cancer.

Cervical polyps are most often due to cervical inflammation. They might throw up symptoms such as vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women, bleeding after sex or menorrhagia.

Gallbladder polyps most often show up during an abdominal ultrasound as they usually do not exhibit any symptoms.

BRAC Analysis

BRAC analysis is a diagnostic test that looks at a person's predisposition to cancer. BRAC1 and BRAC2 are genes that are tested for possible mutations to suggest cancer predisposition. Women who are likely to have hereditary breast cancer or ovarian cancer can take this test. So also people with hereditary colorectal polyps and hereditary melanoma can take the BRAC analysis test.