Polyps in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A polyp is a small growth of tissue that often looks like a tiny ball or grape on the end of a thin stalk. Polyps can develop on the lining (mucosa) of several areas of the body, most commonly the:

  • Nose and sinuses (nasal polyps)
  • Intestines, colon, and rectum (colorectal polyps)
  • Uterus (endometrial polyps)

Most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), but some types—especially certain colorectal polyps—can become cancerous over time if not found and removed.

In Grand Rapids, MI, polyps are commonly diagnosed and treated through local healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health. Regular screenings are especially important in West Michigan, where colorectal cancer prevention is a major public health focus.

Polyps Can Grow Singly or in Clusters

Polyps can appear as:

  • A single growth
  • Multiple growths clustered together

While many polyps never cause problems, some may:

  • Interfere with normal function (for example, nasal polyps affecting breathing)
  • Bleed
  • Become precancerous or malignant (cancerous), especially in the colon and rectum

Cold, dry Michigan winters and frequent indoor heating can aggravate nasal and sinus issues, which may contribute to the development or worsening of nasal polyps in people who are already prone to allergies or chronic sinus problems.

Nasal Polyps

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose or sinuses. They often occur in people with:

  • Allergies (such as hay fever and seasonal allergies common in West Michigan)
  • Asthma
  • Chronic sinus infections (sinusitis)
  • Sensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs

Nasal polyps can grow large—sometimes to the size of an olive—and may block airflow through the nose.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Common symptoms include:

  • Blocked or stuffy nostril(s)
  • Persistent runny nose or excessive mucus
  • Decreased or lost sense of smell
  • Facial pressure or pain
  • Headache
  • Snoring or mouth breathing
  • Recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis)

If you live in Grand Rapids, you may notice symptoms worsening during pollen seasons (spring and fall) or in dry winter air, when indoor allergens and irritants are more concentrated.

Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps

In most cases, a healthcare provider can see nasal polyps by:

  • Looking inside the nose with a lighted instrument
  • Performing a nasal endoscopy, using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look deeper into the nasal passages and sinuses

You can see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist through local systems such as Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids for evaluation.

Treatment for Nasal Polyps

Treatment options may include:

  • Medications
    • Nasal steroid sprays
    • Oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
    • Allergy medications if hay fever or other allergies are present
  • Surgery
    • Endoscopic sinus surgery to remove polyps and open blocked sinuses

In Grand Rapids, ENT surgeons at major hospitals and specialty clinics commonly perform minimally invasive sinus surgery when medications are not enough.

Managing underlying conditions—such as allergies or asthma—is important to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps, especially in a region like West Michigan where seasonal and environmental allergens are common.

Colorectal Polyps (Intestinal Polyps)

What Are Colorectal Polyps?

Colorectal polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. They are very common, especially in adults over 50.

There are two major types:

  1. Adenomas (adenomatous polyps)
    • Around 1 in 5 people may have adenomas
    • Most remain benign, but some can turn into colorectal cancer over time, especially if they are larger or left in place for many years
  2. Hyperplastic polyps
    • Also common
    • Usually harmless and rarely become cancerous
    • A small risk exists if a hyperplastic polyp contains an adenomatous component (a mixed hyperplastic adenomatous polyp)

Risk Factors for Colorectal Polyps

The exact cause is not always known, but factors that may contribute include:

  • Diets high in red or processed meat and low in fiber
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity (a concern in many Michigan communities)
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
  • Family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Certain genetic conditions

Symptoms of Colorectal Polyps

Most colorectal polyps cause no symptoms, which is why regular screening is crucial. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • Blood in the stool (bright red or dark)
  • Clear mucus in the stool
  • Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation) lasting more than a few weeks
  • Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
  • Unexplained anemia or fatigue (from chronic blood loss)

Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps

The primary diagnostic test is colonoscopy, which allows a gastroenterologist to:

  • Examine the entire colon and rectum
  • Find and remove polyps during the same procedure

Other tests that may be used include:

  • Barium enema x-rays (less common now)
  • Stool tests for blood or abnormal DNA (used as screening tools, but colonoscopy is still needed if abnormal)

In Grand Rapids, colonoscopy services are widely available through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) gastroenterology clinics
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Independent GI practices throughout Kent County

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health often promote colorectal cancer screening, especially for adults over 45.

Treatment for Colorectal Polyps

  • Polypectomy: During colonoscopy, polyps are usually removed using a small snare or hot forceps.
  • All removed polyps are sent to a lab to be tested for cancer or precancerous changes.

Possible Complications of Polyp Removal

Though uncommon, potential risks include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Perforation (damage or tear) of the bowel wall

These complications are rare and are typically managed promptly in a hospital setting.

Endometrial Polyps (Uterine Polyps)

What Are Endometrial Polyps?

Endometrial polyps are growths that occur in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). They are:

  • Relatively rare in young women
  • More common in women in their 40s and 50s
  • Less common after menopause, although they can still occur

Endometrial polyps are usually benign, but some may be associated with precancerous or cancerous changes, particularly in postmenopausal women.

They can sometimes be seen along with fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the muscular wall of the uterus.

Symptoms of Endometrial Polyps

Symptoms can include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Spotting between periods
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving in some cases

Any abnormal uterine bleeding should be evaluated by a gynecologist, especially in women over 40 or postmenopausal women in Grand Rapids.

Diagnosis of Endometrial Polyps

Common diagnostic methods include:

  • Pelvic ultrasound: Often the first test used to look at the uterus
  • Hysteroscopy:
    • A thin, lighted instrument (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus
    • The camera allows the physician to see inside the uterus and look for polyps directly

These procedures are commonly performed by gynecologists at hospitals and women’s health clinics throughout Grand Rapids.

Treatment for Endometrial Polyps

A standard treatment is a minor surgical procedure called curettage (D&C), often combined with hysteroscopy:

  • The cervix (the opening to the uterus) is gently dilated
  • Special instruments are inserted to remove the endometrial lining and associated polyps
  • The removed tissue is sent to a lab to check for cancer or precancerous changes

This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis at local hospitals such as Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids, MI

You should contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • Persistent nasal congestion, loss of smell, or recurrent sinus infections
  • Blood in your stool, ongoing changes in bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pain
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy periods, spotting between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding

Local Resources

If you are in the Grand Rapids area, you can seek help from:

  • Your primary care doctor or family physician
  • Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for nasal polyps
  • Gastroenterologist for colorectal polyps and colonoscopy
  • Gynecologist for uterine/endometrial polyps
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for screening information and referrals

Many clinics in Grand Rapids offer nurse triage lines and after-hours advice. Check your health system’s website (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) for 24/7 nurse call numbers and online scheduling.

Key Points About Polyps

  • Common sites for polyps include the nose, intestines/colon/rectum, and uterus.
  • Nasal polyps can cause blocked nostrils, excessive mucus, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and recurrent sinus infections.
  • Colorectal polyps often have no symptoms, but may cause blood or mucus in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal pain.
  • Endometrial polyps are more common in older women and can cause irregular periods, spotting between periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Some types of polyps, especially adenomatous colorectal polyps, can become cancerous over time if not removed.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, early detection and treatment of polyps are readily available through major health systems and public health resources, helping reduce the risk of serious complications, including cancer.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have concerns about polyps or cancer screening, schedule an appointment with your local healthcare provider to discuss appropriate testing and treatment options.