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Tissue growth on a mucous membrane.

A polyp is a tissue growth on a mucous membrane. Polyps are often found in the nose, colon or uterus. Most polyps are noncancerous, but in some places they may eventually become cancerous.

With nose polyps, symptoms may include swelling and runny nose. With colon polyps, symptoms include a change in bowel habits and stool color. There also may be pain in the abdomen and rectal bleeding. Uterine polyps may come with infertility and bleeding between periods or after menopause.

Treatment depends on the polyp location and size and whether it's precancerous. In the nose and uterus, medicines and surgery may be used. In the colon, polyps are usually removed with surgery.