Polyps are tumors that can appear in the throat and other areas of the body.
Polyp is a concept that is used in the fields of medicine and zoology . In the first case, polyps are tumors that develop in mucous membranes found in different cavities of the body.
Before moving forward it is important to determine its etymological origin. In this sense, it must be stated that it derives from the Latin polypus , which in turn derives from the Greek polýpus (translatable as “many-footed animal” ).
Based on this translation, it is understood that the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) establishes that polyp can be used as a synonym for octopus . However, it is true that this use is not the most common nowadays.
Polyps as tumors
Polyps can appear in the throat , vagina , rectum , or nose , among other body parts. It is possible to classify them in different ways, according to their hardness and appearance. Some polyps grow with the same shade and hardness as the membrane in which they are implanted, while others are harder.
There are many types of polyps that a person can have. Thus, for example, there is the so-called colon polyp , which can lead to colorectal cancer. It can be classified into a wide variety of types, depending on aspects such as the way it grows or the structure and functions it performs.
Its appearance in the womb
Uterine polyps are one of the most common polyps that occur. They can occur in women of any age, although they most frequently appear in those between 40 and 65 years old. There are numerous symptoms that are used to diagnose them, although among them are the following:
- Frequent anemia symptoms.
- Uterine bleeding that is abnormal.
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Excessively heavy menstrual periods.
- Alterations in sexual life.
- Infertility.
- Pains of a certain intensity.
- Recurrent abortions.
On certain occasions, polyps can lead to the development of cancer . That is why it is important to see a doctor for treatment. Typically, they are removed through surgery .
Polyps are animals classified as cnidarian coelenterates.
Polyps like animals
Within the scope of zoology, polyps are animals that belong to the group of cnidarian coelenterates . This phylum, made up of invertebrate species, is also home to jellyfish .
With a sac-like appearance, the polyps adhere to rocks or similar surfaces through a type of suction cup at one end. In the other, they have an opening that functions as an anus and mouth simultaneously, usually surrounded by several tentacles.
Some polyps have components in their tentacles that allow them to defend themselves against other species and capture different prey through certain toxins. These capsule-like organelles are called nematocysts .