Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Polyp Is CancerousRisk StatisticsPrecancerous PolypsLiving With Cancerous PolypsSupport

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

When Polyp Is Cancerous

Risk Statistics

Precancerous Polyps

Living With Cancerous Polyps

Support

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can develop in different parts of the body, most often in the colon and the uterus. While most polyps are benign (not harmful), some types have the potential to become cancerous.Routine screenings may be recommended to detect polyps. When they are found, they are usually biopsied (removed and analyzed in a lab for the presence of cancer). Waiting on the results of a biopsy may cause anxiety and stress. But even if a polyp is cancerous, a healthcare team will be able to help you navigate the diagnosis.If a polyp is cancerous, treatment will often begin quickly. Continue reading to review the treatment options for cancerous polyps.chanuth / Getty ImagesRemoved Polyp Is Cancerous: What Now?When a polyp is removed and is discovered to be cancerous, a diagnosis of cancer has been determined. Receiving news of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and may bring feelings of uncertainty and distress. However, it’s important to remember that this diagnosis marks the start of the process of treatment.The healthcare team will develop a plan to treat the cancer but will often need additional imaging or blood tests before determining the exact treatment.  Additional tests may include imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to see if cancer is present elsewhere.Once the type of cancer is determined through thebiopsyand the extent of the cancer is known from imaging studies, the treatment plan can be determined. There are many potential options for treatment, which can include:Surgery: Cutting out the cancer, which is the primary type of treatmentChemotherapy: Medication that attacks rapidly-growing cellsRadiation: High-energy particles or X-rays that are directed at the tumorImmunotherapy: Treatments that work with the immune system to find and fight cancerTargeted medications: Use the characteristics of the cancer cells to find and inhibit or destroy themThe exact treatment plan depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. For example, if acolon polypis found to be cancerous but no cancer has been found outside of the polyp, it would be considered stage 1colon cancer. In this instance, the removal of the polyp may be all that is needed for treatment.Statistics on Polyp Removal and Cancer RiskMany people find it helpful to gain an understanding ofcolon polyp removal and cancer riskthrough statistics. For one, not all polyps are cancerous, but certain types, such asadenomatous polyps, are more likely to be. Also, it can take 10 to 15 years for a small polyp to develop into an invasive colon cancer.How likely a polyp is to transform into cancer is based on a variety of factors, such as:Size of the polypsNumber of polypsFamily history of colon cancerLocation of the polypIt’s important to note that most polyps removed during screening procedures are not cancerous.Uterine, or endometrial, polypsare fairly common and can occur in about 25% of people with a uterus. They are often benign. However, it’s been estimated that up to 12.9% of uterine polyps are cancerous. Postmenopausal people—those who have gone through menopause, the time when the menstrual cycle has stopped for 12 straight months—are more likely to have a cancerous polyp than those who are premenopausal.Colon Polyp CharacteristicsGenerally, polyps are more common on the left side of the colon (the sigmoid colon and descending colon) compared to the right side.Polyps on the left side are more likely to protrude from the intestinal wall, making them easier to see in acolonoscopy. When left-sided colon cancer develops, it is more treatable with chemotherapy and targeted therapies.Polyps on the right side of the colon are more likely to be flat and harder to see in a colonoscopy. As a result, they may not be detected until they have developed into advanced cancer that is harder to treat.The size of a polyp also plays a role in determining cancer risk. Larger polyps are more likely to contain cancerous cells or to develop into cancer over time.Polyps larger than 1 centimeter (cm) are generally considered to have a higher risk of cancer than smaller polyps.What Do Precancerous Polyps Mean?Not all polyps are cancerous or even precancerous. Precancerous polyps are abnormal growths in tissue that have the potential to develop into cancer over time. If these polyps are not removed, they will likely become cancer in the future.Finding and removing precancerous polyps during routine screenings, such as colonoscopies, can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.By taking a proactive approach and getting routine screenings to look for polyps, people can improve their health in the long term.Returning Polyps After RemovalColon polyps are typically removed during a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a camera is inserted into the colon.Polyps can be removed during this procedure.Uterine polyps are usually removed in a procedure called a hysteroscopy, in which a camera is inserted into the uterus.When polyps reappear after removal, it reinforces the need for continued monitoring and surveillance. The return of polyps can occur for a variety of reasons, including:A polyp that wasn’t completely removed during the previous procedureHaving a condition that causes multiple polyps to formDeveloping new polypsIn the event of returning polyps, the healthcare provider may suggest that screening procedures or imaging studies be done more frequently to monitor for continued growth.Living With Cancerous PolypsThe diagnosis of a cancerous polyp may bring a variety of emotions, including fear, uncertainty, determination, and strength. The diagnosis can be upsetting, but it can help to understand your options and what you can control to live as healthy of a life as possible.Adopting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of living with cancerous polyps. Some ways to improve health can include:Eating a well-balanced diet with whole foods and less processed foodGetting regular exerciseManaging stressAvoiding tobacco useDecreasing or eliminating alcohol useAdditionally, having regular checkups and communicating with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your health and preventing further cancerous polyps. Based on the diagnosis, your provider will recommend a variety of treatments to provide the best outcome.Support for Patients With Colon or Uterine CancerFor a diagnosis of colon or uterine cancer, prompt medical treatment is necessary, but so is support. In addition to the medical aspect of care, emotional support plays an important role in helping cope with the challenges of living with cancer.Online and in-person support groups allow people to share their experiences and make connections with others who have similar experiences.Counseling services can also offer support to people with a cancer diagnosis. A counselor can offer emotional support and strategies to cope with the diagnosis and all that goes with it.In addition, family and friends can play an important role. They may comfort and encourage you, as well as support you in practical ways. This includes making meals, providing transportation, or helping with tasks such as house cleaning or laundry.Healthcare professionals, including oncologists (cancer specialists), nurses, and social workers, are other resources for support. They can offer expertise and personalized care for people on their cancer journey.SummaryPolyps, though often benign, have the potential to become cancerous. Getting a diagnosis of polyps can cause worry and anxiety, but your healthcare team will plan treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.Treatment options vary and are personalized to the type and extent of cancer. Early removal of precancerous polyps can prevent cancer. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, seeking support can aid emotional health at this time.

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can develop in different parts of the body, most often in the colon and the uterus. While most polyps are benign (not harmful), some types have the potential to become cancerous.

Routine screenings may be recommended to detect polyps. When they are found, they are usually biopsied (removed and analyzed in a lab for the presence of cancer). Waiting on the results of a biopsy may cause anxiety and stress. But even if a polyp is cancerous, a healthcare team will be able to help you navigate the diagnosis.

If a polyp is cancerous, treatment will often begin quickly. Continue reading to review the treatment options for cancerous polyps.

chanuth / Getty Images

A person discusses their polyp biopsy results with a healthcare provider

Removed Polyp Is Cancerous: What Now?

When a polyp is removed and is discovered to be cancerous, a diagnosis of cancer has been determined. Receiving news of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and may bring feelings of uncertainty and distress. However, it’s important to remember that this diagnosis marks the start of the process of treatment.

The healthcare team will develop a plan to treat the cancer but will often need additional imaging or blood tests before determining the exact treatment.  Additional tests may include imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to see if cancer is present elsewhere.

Once the type of cancer is determined through thebiopsyand the extent of the cancer is known from imaging studies, the treatment plan can be determined. There are many potential options for treatment, which can include:

The exact treatment plan depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. For example, if acolon polypis found to be cancerous but no cancer has been found outside of the polyp, it would be considered stage 1colon cancer. In this instance, the removal of the polyp may be all that is needed for treatment.

Statistics on Polyp Removal and Cancer Risk

Many people find it helpful to gain an understanding ofcolon polyp removal and cancer riskthrough statistics. For one, not all polyps are cancerous, but certain types, such asadenomatous polyps, are more likely to be. Also, it can take 10 to 15 years for a small polyp to develop into an invasive colon cancer.

How likely a polyp is to transform into cancer is based on a variety of factors, such as:

It’s important to note that most polyps removed during screening procedures are not cancerous.

Uterine, or endometrial, polypsare fairly common and can occur in about 25% of people with a uterus. They are often benign. However, it’s been estimated that up to 12.9% of uterine polyps are cancerous. Postmenopausal people—those who have gone through menopause, the time when the menstrual cycle has stopped for 12 straight months—are more likely to have a cancerous polyp than those who are premenopausal.

Colon Polyp CharacteristicsGenerally, polyps are more common on the left side of the colon (the sigmoid colon and descending colon) compared to the right side.Polyps on the left side are more likely to protrude from the intestinal wall, making them easier to see in acolonoscopy. When left-sided colon cancer develops, it is more treatable with chemotherapy and targeted therapies.Polyps on the right side of the colon are more likely to be flat and harder to see in a colonoscopy. As a result, they may not be detected until they have developed into advanced cancer that is harder to treat.The size of a polyp also plays a role in determining cancer risk. Larger polyps are more likely to contain cancerous cells or to develop into cancer over time.Polyps larger than 1 centimeter (cm) are generally considered to have a higher risk of cancer than smaller polyps.

Colon Polyp Characteristics

Generally, polyps are more common on the left side of the colon (the sigmoid colon and descending colon) compared to the right side.Polyps on the left side are more likely to protrude from the intestinal wall, making them easier to see in acolonoscopy. When left-sided colon cancer develops, it is more treatable with chemotherapy and targeted therapies.Polyps on the right side of the colon are more likely to be flat and harder to see in a colonoscopy. As a result, they may not be detected until they have developed into advanced cancer that is harder to treat.The size of a polyp also plays a role in determining cancer risk. Larger polyps are more likely to contain cancerous cells or to develop into cancer over time.Polyps larger than 1 centimeter (cm) are generally considered to have a higher risk of cancer than smaller polyps.

Generally, polyps are more common on the left side of the colon (the sigmoid colon and descending colon) compared to the right side.Polyps on the left side are more likely to protrude from the intestinal wall, making them easier to see in acolonoscopy. When left-sided colon cancer develops, it is more treatable with chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

Polyps on the right side of the colon are more likely to be flat and harder to see in a colonoscopy. As a result, they may not be detected until they have developed into advanced cancer that is harder to treat.

The size of a polyp also plays a role in determining cancer risk. Larger polyps are more likely to contain cancerous cells or to develop into cancer over time.Polyps larger than 1 centimeter (cm) are generally considered to have a higher risk of cancer than smaller polyps.

What Do Precancerous Polyps Mean?

Not all polyps are cancerous or even precancerous. Precancerous polyps are abnormal growths in tissue that have the potential to develop into cancer over time. If these polyps are not removed, they will likely become cancer in the future.

Finding and removing precancerous polyps during routine screenings, such as colonoscopies, can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.By taking a proactive approach and getting routine screenings to look for polyps, people can improve their health in the long term.

Returning Polyps After Removal

Colon polyps are typically removed during a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a camera is inserted into the colon.Polyps can be removed during this procedure.

Uterine polyps are usually removed in a procedure called a hysteroscopy, in which a camera is inserted into the uterus.

When polyps reappear after removal, it reinforces the need for continued monitoring and surveillance. The return of polyps can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

In the event of returning polyps, the healthcare provider may suggest that screening procedures or imaging studies be done more frequently to monitor for continued growth.

The diagnosis of a cancerous polyp may bring a variety of emotions, including fear, uncertainty, determination, and strength. The diagnosis can be upsetting, but it can help to understand your options and what you can control to live as healthy of a life as possible.

Adopting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of living with cancerous polyps. Some ways to improve health can include:

Additionally, having regular checkups and communicating with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your health and preventing further cancerous polyps. Based on the diagnosis, your provider will recommend a variety of treatments to provide the best outcome.

Support for Patients With Colon or Uterine Cancer

For a diagnosis of colon or uterine cancer, prompt medical treatment is necessary, but so is support. In addition to the medical aspect of care, emotional support plays an important role in helping cope with the challenges of living with cancer.

Online and in-person support groups allow people to share their experiences and make connections with others who have similar experiences.

Counseling services can also offer support to people with a cancer diagnosis. A counselor can offer emotional support and strategies to cope with the diagnosis and all that goes with it.

In addition, family and friends can play an important role. They may comfort and encourage you, as well as support you in practical ways. This includes making meals, providing transportation, or helping with tasks such as house cleaning or laundry.

Healthcare professionals, including oncologists (cancer specialists), nurses, and social workers, are other resources for support. They can offer expertise and personalized care for people on their cancer journey.

Summary

Polyps, though often benign, have the potential to become cancerous. Getting a diagnosis of polyps can cause worry and anxiety, but your healthcare team will plan treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.

Treatment options vary and are personalized to the type and extent of cancer. Early removal of precancerous polyps can prevent cancer. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, seeking support can aid emotional health at this time.

7 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.

National Cancer Institute.Colon cancer treatment (PDQ)- health professional version. April 25, 2024.

Sninsky JA, Shore BM, Lupu GV, Crockett SD.Risk factors for colorectal polyps and cancer.Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America. 2022;32(2):195-213. doi:10.1016/j.giec.2021.12.008

Berceanu C, Cernea N, Căpitănescu RG, et al.Endometrial polyps.Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2022;63(2):323-334. doi:10.47162/RJME.63.2.04

Jones V.Cancer in the sigmoid colon: what it means when colon cancer is on the left side. MD Anderson Cancer Center. February 14, 2024.

MedlinePlus.Colorectal polyps. May 2, 2023.

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