Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomy and TypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy and Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Prevention
A polyp is a mass of tissue that develops on the inside wall of a hollow organ. Polyps can occur in many body locations, including thenose, ears, throat, oruterus.
The most common polyp is acolon polyp, also called a colonic polyp or a colorectal polyp. Fifteen percent to 40% of adults are estimated to have colon polyps, which are more common in older adults and men.
Colon polyps are the precursors ofcolorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.Because the risk of any particular polyp becoming malignant increases with size, regular screening and early removal is important.
The American Cancer Society estimated that 104,270 individuals would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021, and that 45,230 would die from the disease.
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Anatomy and Types of Colon Polyps
Thecolonis the largest part of the large intestine, which extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum. It has four sections:
Colon polyps are abnormal growths that can develop in any part of the colon’s inner lining, but they are most often found in the rectum and on the left side of the colon. Most polyps are benign, but over time some may become cancerous.
Colon polyps are eitherflat (sessile)or have a stalk (pedunculated). There are five types of colon polyps, with the most common beingadenomatous. The adenomatous type accounts for 70% of all colon polyps. Nearly all malignant polyps begin as adenomatous, but the process to evolve into cancer typically takes many years.
Your Risk of Cancer If You Have Colon Polyps
Colon Polyp Symptoms
For most people, colon polyps don’t cause symptoms, which is why screening is recommended. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
Other health problems can also cause these symptoms. However, if you do have bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stool, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Risk factors for developing colon polyps include age, lifestyle, and personal and family health history:
Two genetic abnormalities significantly increase the risk for colon polyps and colorectal cancer—Lynch syndrome and classic familial adenomatous polyposis.
Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is among the most common hereditary cancer syndromes. As many as one in 300 people may be carriers of an altered gene associated with Lynch syndrome.
Lynch Syndrome: Overview and More
Classic Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Overview of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
The American College of Gastroenterology currently recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colon cancer. This updates previous guidelines, which recommended that screening start at age 50. The decision to be screened after age 75 should be made on an individual basis in consultation with your healthcare provider.
People with increased risk should consult their healthcare providers as to when to start screening, which test to use, and frequency of screening. Increased risk includes:
Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy.
Stool Tests
These include any of the following:
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends colonoscopy and FIT as the primary screening tools for colorectal cancer.
What to Expect With a Fecal Occult Blood Test
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the rectum to examine the last third of the large intestine (sigmoid colon) for polyps or cancer. Frequency: every five years, or every 10 years.
What to Expect With a Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
This is a procedure in which a long, thin, flexible tube is inserted through the rectum and into the colon. The tube has a camera that shows images on a screen. During the test, the healthcare provider can find and remove most polyps and some cancers.
Colonoscopy also is used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. Frequency: every 10 years (for those without an increased risk of colorectal cancer).
What to Expect With a Colonoscopy
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses radiation to create pictures of the entire colon, which are displayed on a computer screen for the healthcare provider to analyze. Frequency: every five years.
Colonoscopy: Overview
Many factors are taken into consideration to determine which diagnostic test is best for you, including your medical condition, risk factors, the likelihood you will get the test, and local resources. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options and preferences.
Although virtual colonoscopy provides a view of the entire colon, colonoscopy is the only procedure that enables both visualization and removal of polyps.
The removal of polyps is performed as an outpatient procedure called apolypectomy. Various techniques are available.
Cold forceps and cold snare have been the polypectomy methods of choice for smaller polyps, and hot snare has been the method of choice for larger polyps. Polypectomy for difficult-to-remove polyps may require the use of special devices and advanced techniques.
Possible but uncommon complications of a polypectomy are bleeding or perforation of the colon. Bleeding can be immediate or delayed for several days. Perforation, which is a hole or tear in the colon, can often be repaired with clips during the procedure.
If a polyp is found, it will be removed and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. Your healthcare provider will recommend a follow-up schedule based on the number, size, and type of polyps you have, as well as your personal risk factors.
Colon Cancer: What Determines Success of Treatment?
Once a colon polyp is completely removed, it rarely comes back. However, because at least 30% of patients develop new polyps after removal, a follow-up screening will be recommended.
Depending on your personal health status, some healthcare providers recommend taking a daily aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they may reduce the risk of new polyps forming.
Maintaining healthy eating, exercise, and alcohol consumption habits will also help reduce your risk for developing colon polyps.
Some risk factors, such as age and genetics can’t be changed. Lifestyle habits that increase the chances of developing colon polyps, however, can be modified to reduce risk:
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing a screening for colon polyps isn’t a procedure anyone enjoys. However, keep in mind that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of all cancer deaths. Routine screening saves many lives, one of which may be yours. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.
16 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.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).Definitions & facts for colon polyps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Five things to know about colorectal cancer screening.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Understanding family cancer syndromes.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.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.0000000000001122Macrae FA.Epidemiology and risk factors for colorectal cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Rutter MD, Jover R.Personalizing polypectomy techniques based on polyp characteristics.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(13):2859-2867. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.025American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding colonoscopy.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Polyps of the colon and rectum.Taha A, McCloskey C, Craigen T, Callaghan D, Diament M, Angerson W.PTH-066 Aspirin, NSAIDs, and dysplastic colonic polyps – lessons from bowel cancer screening.Gut. 2018:A44.2-A45. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2018-BSGAbstracts.87
16 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 Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).Definitions & facts for colon polyps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Five things to know about colorectal cancer screening.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Understanding family cancer syndromes.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.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.0000000000001122Macrae FA.Epidemiology and risk factors for colorectal cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Rutter MD, Jover R.Personalizing polypectomy techniques based on polyp characteristics.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(13):2859-2867. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.025American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding colonoscopy.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Polyps of the colon and rectum.Taha A, McCloskey C, Craigen T, Callaghan D, Diament M, Angerson W.PTH-066 Aspirin, NSAIDs, and dysplastic colonic polyps – lessons from bowel cancer screening.Gut. 2018:A44.2-A45. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2018-BSGAbstracts.87
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 Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).Definitions & facts for colon polyps.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Five things to know about colorectal cancer screening.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Understanding family cancer syndromes.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.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.0000000000001122Macrae FA.Epidemiology and risk factors for colorectal cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.Rutter MD, Jover R.Personalizing polypectomy techniques based on polyp characteristics.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(13):2859-2867. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.025American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding colonoscopy.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Polyps of the colon and rectum.Taha A, McCloskey C, Craigen T, Callaghan D, Diament M, Angerson W.PTH-066 Aspirin, NSAIDs, and dysplastic colonic polyps – lessons from bowel cancer screening.Gut. 2018:A44.2-A45. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2018-BSGAbstracts.87
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).Definitions & facts for colon polyps.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Five things to know about colorectal cancer screening.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.
Cleveland Clinic.Colon polyps.
Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.Colon and rectal polyps.
American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Understanding family cancer syndromes.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.
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
Macrae FA.Epidemiology and risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for colorectal cancer.
Rutter MD, Jover R.Personalizing polypectomy techniques based on polyp characteristics.Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;18(13):2859-2867. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.025
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding colonoscopy.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Polyps of the colon and rectum.
Taha A, McCloskey C, Craigen T, Callaghan D, Diament M, Angerson W.PTH-066 Aspirin, NSAIDs, and dysplastic colonic polyps – lessons from bowel cancer screening.Gut. 2018:A44.2-A45. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2018-BSGAbstracts.87
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