A pedunculated polyp is a skin growth that attaches to the body via an elongated stalk. This type of growth is most commonly found in the colon or uterus, but it can also occur elsewhere in the body. Pedunculated polyps contrast with sessile polyps, which are skin growths that lack the stem or stalk that qualifies a polyp as pedunculated. Most polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous over time. For this reason, polyps are usually removed once they are found.

Many types of abnormal growths can occur in the human body. Some are harmful and some are not. A pedunculated polyp is usually not harmful, but can cause problems if it grows in an area where it causes irritation through contact with sensitive organs or tissues. Over time, an ignored or unidentified polyp may become cancerous, causing even more serious problems for the body.

Benign polyps are those that are not cancerous. Malignant polyps are cancerous. Doctors are unable to determine whether a pedunculated polyp is benign or malignant on sight. For this reason, polyps are generally removed soon after they are found in order to test the tissue for cancer. If cancer is found, further tests and treatment may be advised.

Any part of the body containing mucous membranes is a potential site of growth for a pedunculated polyp. This includes the nose, bladder, and even the vocal cords. The problems associated with the growth of a polyp vary depending on the location in which the polyp occurs. For example, a polyp on the vocal cord can cause speech difficulties including hoarse voice and pain while speaking.

A pedunculated polyp in the colon usually causes no symptoms, although a particularly large polyp can cause rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits. Most colon polyps are located during a routine colon examination. Once identified, the polyp is usually removed due to the risk that the polyp could develop into colon cancer. The risk is usually small, but physicians almost always recommend removal to eliminate even the slightest risk of cancer.

Uterine polyps can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, but they often cause no symptoms at all. Sometimes, a pedunculated polyp in the uterus can be large enough to protrude into the vagina. If the polyp becomes problematic, a doctor may prescribe hormone treatment before recommending an invasive removal procedure. When removal is recommended, the polyp is usually excised from the uterus while the patient is under general anesthesia.