A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that can occur in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, nose, throat, and uterus. In the context of health, most commonly, people refer to colon polyps. These are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum and can vary in size and shape. While most polyps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, some types of colon polyps can develop into colorectal cancer over time if not removed. Regular screenings can help detect and remove polyps to reduce the risk of cancer.