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Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths that develop on the inner wall of the large intestine. Although most polyps that are found in the colon are not cancerous, some may develop into cancer as time passes. Risk factors for polyps in the colon include being 50 years old or older, smoking, and having a family history of colon cancer. Most polyps in the colon do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include anal bleeding and blood in the stool. To help prevent or detect cancer of the colon, polyps are removed and tested to see if they are cancerous.

 

Colon Polyps: An Introduction

A polyp is a growth protruding from a mucous membrane lining organs in the body (such as the bladder or intestine). Colon polyps grow on the inner wall of the large intestine. The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of your digestive system. It's a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract where your body makes and stores stool.
 
Most colon polyps are not dangerous, and the majority are benign, which means they are not cancerous. But over time, some types of colon polyps can become cancerous.
 
Usually, polyps that are smaller than a pea aren't harmful. But larger colon polyps could someday become cancerous or may already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove all colon polyps and test them.
 
There are two main types of colon polyps:
 
  • Adenomas
  • Hyperplastic polyps.

 

(Click Types of Colon Polyps for more information.)

 

Risk Factors for Colon Polyps

Anyone can develop colon polyps, but certain people are more likely to get them than others. You may have a greater chance of developing colon polyps if:
 
  • You're 50 years old or older -- the older you get, the more likely you are to develop polyps
  • You've had polyps before
  • Someone in your family has had polyps
  • Someone in your family has had cancer of the large intestine.
     
You may also be more likely to get colon polyps if you:
 
  • Eat a lot of fatty foods
  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Don't exercise
  • Weigh too much.

 

Symptoms Associated With Colon Polyps

Most people with polyps in the colon or rectum experience no symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

 

 

(See Symptoms of Colon Polyps for more information.)

 

Testing for Colon Polyps

Talk to your doctor about getting tested for colon polyps if:
 
  • You have symptoms
  • You are 50 years old or older
  • Someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer.
     

Colon Polyps: Key Points

Things to remember about colon polyps include the following:
 
  • A polyp is a growth that projects from a mucous membrane in the body. Most colon polyps are not harmful.

 

  • Many colon polyps do not cause symptoms.

 

  • When symptoms do develop, they may include such things as constipation or diarrhea for more than a week and blood in the stool.
     
  • Doctors remove all colon polyps they find and test them for cancer.
     
  • Talk to your doctor about getting tested for colon polyps if:
o You have any symptoms
o You're 50 years old or older
o Someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD