Polyps are growths of tissue that may be attached by a stalk-like structure (a pedicle). Polyps are commonly found in organs with many blood vessels. Such organs include the uterus, colon, stomach, and nose.

Some polyps are cancerous (malignant) and the cancer cells are likely to spread. Most polyps are noncancerous (benign). The most common site of polyps that are precancerous and are treated is the colon.

How a polyp biopsy is done depends on the location:

• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the large bowel
• Colposcopy-directed biopsy examines the vagina and cervix
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or other endoscopy is used for the throat, stomach, and small bowel
• Laryngoscopy is used for the nose and throat

For areas of the body that can be seen or where the polyp can be felt, a numbing medicine is applied to the skin. Then a small piece of the tissue that appears to be abnormal is removed. This tissue is sent to a laboratory. There, it is tested to see if it is cancerous.

If the biopsy is in the nose or another surface that is open or can be seen, no special preparation is needed. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to not eat or drink anything (fast) before the biopsy.

More preparation is needed for biopsies inside the body. For example, if you have a biopsy of the stomach, you should not eat anything for several hours before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy, drinking a solution to clean your bowels is needed before the procedure.

Follow your provider's preparation instructions exactly.

Numbing medicine is given locally before removing polyps on the surface of the skin. You may feel tugging while the biopsy sample is being taken. After the numbing medicine wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

Biopsies of polyps inside the body are done during procedures such as EGD or colonoscopy. Usually, you will not feel anything during or after the biopsy.

The test is done to determine if the growth is cancerous (malignant). The procedure may also be done to relieve symptoms, such as with the removal of nasal polyps.

Examination of the biopsy sample shows the polyp to be benign (not cancerous).

Cancer cells are present. This may be a sign of a cancerous tumor. Further tests may be needed. Often, the polyp may need more treatment. This is to ensure it is completely removed.

Risks include:

• Bleeding
• Hole (perforation) in the organ from which the polyp was removed
• Infection

Biopsy - polyps

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Raymond L, Lentz GM. Endoscopy in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 10.

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Updated by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.