A polyp is a term used to describe a growth on the lining of a mucous membrane. The growth may develop on the lining of the digestive tract, mouth, uterus, bladder, nasal passages, or genital area. When a polyp develops inthe colon, it is usually benign (noncancerous). However, in some cases, it can develop into a malignancy (cancer).
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Identifying Colon Polyps
There are different types ofcolon polyps, each of which has its own characteristics and structure. These and other factors (including size and location) can help determine if they have a greater potential of developing intocolon cancer.
Colon polyps are quite common, with studies reporting that they occur in 30% to 50% of adults.They are usually found during a visual examination of the colon. If discovered, the growths can be removed and the tissue is sent to the lab to assess if any abnormalities are suggestive of a malignancy.
The American College of Gastroenterology currently advises that average-risk adults undergo colorectal screening starting at age 45 using one of two techniques:
If you’re unable to undergo colonoscopy or FIT or you’re looking for alternative options, you may consider one of these secondary screening methods:
While colorectal cancer screening is recommended for all adults age 45 to 75, screening is decided on an individual basis for those age 76 to 85.
Shape
When describing a polyp, a healthcare provider may use terms to describe its shape. These physical descriptions help the healthcare provider determine how to deal with a polyp should it need to be removed. They also provide insights into its potential for cancer.
Colon polyps typically come in two basic shapes:
Types
Beyond their physical appearance, the healthcare provider will want to determine what type of polyp it is. This typically requires examining the tissue under a microscope to look at both the structure and characteristics of the cells themselves. Among the more common classifications:
Any polyp with a villous component or a length greater than 1 cm, regardless of the type, is typically removed since it is considered high risk for becoming cancer.Common removal techniques include using a wire loop known as aLEEPor an electrocautery device that burns the polyp at its base.
Symptoms
For the most part, you probably won’t know if you have polyps. You generally can’t feel them, and they are usually only found during a colorectal screening. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
If this combination of symptoms persists for more than a week, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shussman N, Wexner SD.Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes.Gastroenterol Rep. 2014;2(1):1-15. doi:10.1093/gastro/got041UpToDate.Patient education: colon polyps (beyond the basics).Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.How colon polyp size, shape and growth pattern affect cancer risk.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?WJG. 2017;23(9):1541. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541Click B, Pinsky PF, Hickey T, Doroudi M, Schoen RE.Association of colonoscopy adenoma findings with long-term colorectal cancer incidence.JAMA. 2018;319(19):2021-2031. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5809Short MW, Layton MC, Teer BN, Domagalski JE.Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(2):93-100.Molmenti CL, Kolb JM, Karlitz JJ.Advanced colorectal polyps on colonoscopy: a trigger for earlier screening of family members.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(3):311-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000467Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shussman N, Wexner SD.Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes.Gastroenterol Rep. 2014;2(1):1-15. doi:10.1093/gastro/got041UpToDate.Patient education: colon polyps (beyond the basics).Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.How colon polyp size, shape and growth pattern affect cancer risk.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?WJG. 2017;23(9):1541. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541Click B, Pinsky PF, Hickey T, Doroudi M, Schoen RE.Association of colonoscopy adenoma findings with long-term colorectal cancer incidence.JAMA. 2018;319(19):2021-2031. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5809Short MW, Layton MC, Teer BN, Domagalski JE.Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(2):93-100.Molmenti CL, Kolb JM, Karlitz JJ.Advanced colorectal polyps on colonoscopy: a trigger for earlier screening of family members.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(3):311-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000467Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Shussman N, Wexner SD.Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes.Gastroenterol Rep. 2014;2(1):1-15. doi:10.1093/gastro/got041UpToDate.Patient education: colon polyps (beyond the basics).Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.How colon polyp size, shape and growth pattern affect cancer risk.Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?WJG. 2017;23(9):1541. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541Click B, Pinsky PF, Hickey T, Doroudi M, Schoen RE.Association of colonoscopy adenoma findings with long-term colorectal cancer incidence.JAMA. 2018;319(19):2021-2031. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5809Short MW, Layton MC, Teer BN, Domagalski JE.Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(2):93-100.Molmenti CL, Kolb JM, Karlitz JJ.Advanced colorectal polyps on colonoscopy: a trigger for earlier screening of family members.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(3):311-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000467Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.
Shussman N, Wexner SD.Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes.Gastroenterol Rep. 2014;2(1):1-15. doi:10.1093/gastro/got041
UpToDate.Patient education: colon polyps (beyond the basics).
Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK.ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.
Cleveland Clinic.How colon polyp size, shape and growth pattern affect cancer risk.
Politis DS, Katsanos KH, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou DK.Pseudopolyps in inflammatory bowel diseases: Have we learned enough?WJG. 2017;23(9):1541. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i9.1541
Click B, Pinsky PF, Hickey T, Doroudi M, Schoen RE.Association of colonoscopy adenoma findings with long-term colorectal cancer incidence.JAMA. 2018;319(19):2021-2031. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5809
Short MW, Layton MC, Teer BN, Domagalski JE.Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(2):93-100.
Molmenti CL, Kolb JM, Karlitz JJ.Advanced colorectal polyps on colonoscopy: a trigger for earlier screening of family members.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(3):311-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000467
Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.
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