A hyperplastic polyp is a growth that can develop in the colon or stomach. They do not always cause symptoms, but some people may experience rectal bleeding. Rarely, the polyps may be precancerous.

Hyperplastic colorectal polyps develop in the colon, the lining of the large intestine. Hyperplastic gastric or stomach polyps appear in the epithelium, the layer of tissue that lines the inside of the stomach.

Read on to learn more about hyperplastic polyps, including the types, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.

Types, or subgroups, of hyperplastic polyps include:

  • microvesicular serrated polyps
  • goblet cell-rich hyperplastic polyps
  • mucin-poor hyperplastic polyps

The subtypes refer to the types of cells in the polyp and whether the polyp secretes mucus. The type of polyp and the presence of certain genetic mutations may indicate whether the polyp is precancerous.

For example, a 2020 article notes that goblet cell-rich polyps with KRAS mutations are likely to be precancerous. Microvesicular and mucin-poor polyps with BRAF mutations may also be precancerous.

Hyperplastic polyps are usually asymptomatic.

However, you may notice symptoms such as:

  • rectal bleeding
  • bleeding when wiping
  • bloody stool
  • mucus in stool
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain

The exact cause of hyperplastic polyps is unclear.

However, certain factors may make polyps in general more likely. These include:

  • older age
  • consuming a diet high in fat and low in fiber
  • tobacco use
  • excess alcohol consumption
  • family history of:
    • polyps
    • intestinal polyposis
    • colorectal cancer

Risk factors for stomach hyperplastic polyps include gastritis and Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori).

To diagnose hyperplastic polyps of the colon, a medical professional will perform a colonoscopy. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end of it into the rectum to view inside the colon.

An endoscopy can help diagnose hyperplastic polyps of the stomach. It involves using a device called an endoscope, which is similar to a colonoscope. A medical professional may insert the endoscope through the mouth and move it down toward the stomach.

Treatment for hyperplastic polyps in the colon may include snare polypectomy, which involves using a small loop to remove the polyps, usually during the colonoscopy or endoscopy.

Endoscopic mucosal resection can help remove a flat polyp. It is similar to a polypectomy, but it also usually involves injecting the polyp to lift it from the surface of the lining.

Removing the polyps allows the medical professional to send them to the laboratory for testing. If the polyp is precancerous, your doctor may recommend additional treatments.

A medical professional can also advise on any remedies to manage symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.

As hyperplastic polyps are often asymptomatic, you may not know that you have them until your doctor detects them on a routine colonoscopy or when testing for another condition.

However, you should contact a doctor if you experience frequent or persistent rectal bleeding or blood in stool. Seek immediate medical help if you lose a lot of blood.

Hyperplastic polyps may develop in the colon or stomach. They are often asymptomatic, but they may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Colonoscopy and endoscopy can help diagnose hyperplastic polyps. A medical professional may remove the polyp to treat it. They can send the polyp to the laboratory to help determine whether it is precancerous.

Speak with a medical professional if there are concerns about the symptoms or hyperplastic polyps or the possible risk factors. Seek immediate medical help if you experience a lot of blood loss.