Understanding polyp shapes

Explore the diagram

Polyps can have different shapes

Choose a shape to learn what the term means.

On a stalk

This polyp projects into the bowel on a stalk. The term describes its shape; the laboratory result identifies its tissue type.

Shape alone does not tell you the polyp type or whether it contains cancer. I use the tissue result and the colonoscopy findings to recommend your follow-up.

Simplified side views of the bowel lining. The space above the lining is the inside of the bowel. Shapes are not shown to scale.

On a stalk: This polyp projects into the bowel on a stalk. The term describes its shape; the laboratory result identifies its tissue type.

Broad-based: This polyp sits directly on the bowel lining without a stalk. Sessile describes a shape. It is not the same as a diagnosis of sessile serrated lesion.

Almost flat: Some polyps rise only slightly above the lining. Careful inspection and good bowel preparation help the endoscopist see them.

On a stalk: This polyp projects into the bowel on a stalk. The term describes its shape; the laboratory result identifies its tissue type.

Broad-based: This polyp sits directly on the bowel lining without a stalk. Sessile describes a shape. It is not the same as a diagnosis of sessile serrated lesion.

Almost flat: Some polyps rise only slightly above the lining. Careful inspection and good bowel preparation help the endoscopist see them.