polyp

(pol′ĭp)

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[Gr. polypous, many-footed, octopus, nasal tumor]
A swelling or excrescence (tumor) emanating from a mucous membrane; commonly found in vascular organs such as the nose, uterus, colon, and rectum. Polyps bleed easily; if there is a possibility that they will become malignant, they should be removed surgically.
SYN: SEE: polypus

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