Colon polyps do not generally cause symptoms.
Colon polyps
Colon polyps are tiny growths that form on the inside of the large intestine (also known as the colon). Polyps are very frequent. Roughly one-third to one-half of all adults have them by the time they are 50 years old. They do not generally cause symptoms. But some polyps can be or become cancer, so doctors sometimes remove them.
Doctors usually find colon polyps when they are doing screening tests to confirm for colon or rectal cancer. Cancer screening tests are tests that are done to try and find cancer early, before a person has symptoms. The screening tests for colon and rectal cancer include:
- Colonoscopy – Before having a colonoscopy, you will get medicine to assist you relax. Then a doctor will put a thin tube into your anus and advance it into your colon. The tube has a camera attached to it, so the doctor can look in your colon. The tube also has tools on the end, so the doctor can remove pieces of tissue, including polyps. After polyps are removed, they generally go to a lab to be tested for cancer and other problems.
- Sigmoidoscopy – A sigmoidoscopy is very comparable to a colonoscopy. The only difference is that this test looks only at the first part of the colon, and a colonoscopy looks at the entire colon.
- CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy) – For a virtual colonoscopy, you have a special kind of X-ray taken, called a “CT scan.” This test creates pictures of the colon.
- Stool test – “Stool” is another word for “bowel movements.” Stool tests check for blood or abnormal genes in samples of stool. If a stool test indicates that something might be wrong with the colon, doctors generally follow up with a colonoscopy. Then doctors discover polyps, if they are there.
- Capsule colonoscopy – Rarely, your doctor might do something called a “capsule” colonoscopy. For this test, you swallow a special capsule that contains tiny wireless video cameras.
Doctors eliminate polyps using the same tools they use for a colonoscopy. They can remove polyps either by snipping them off with a special cutting tool, or by catching the polyps in a noose. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. But sometimes, large polyps require to be removed at a later time.
You may require a colonoscopy every few years to confirm for more polyps. In some people polyps come back. And if you had the kind of polyps that could become cancer, your doctor will want to remove them as they appear. Also, if the polyps you had removed were the kind that could become cancer, people in your family might require them to be checked for polyps and colon cancer, too.
Depending on your position, your doctor might suggest genetic testing. This can show if your polyps are related to an abnormal gene that runs in families.
To decrease your chances of getting polyps or colon cancer:
- Eat a diet that is low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Lose weight, if you are overweight
- Do not smoke
- Limit the quantity of alcohol you drink
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Colon Polyps
Unusual abdominal pain? Don’t ignore it
Unusual abdominal pain? Don’t ignore it
You are here >> Home > Blog > Large Bowel > Colon Polyps
Have you ever thought about colon polyps? These are small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon (large intestine). While most polyps are harmless, some can develop into colon cancer over time, which can be life-threatening if not detected early. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about colon polyps, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Summary
Polyps often don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is important. They can be diagnosed through procedures like colonoscopy and removed to prevent cancer from developing.
- Causes
Colon polyps develop due to a combination of genetic factors, age, and lifestyle choices. Common risk factors include a family history of polyps, smoking, and a diet high in red meat.
- Symptoms
Colon polyps may cause rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and fatigue. However, many people with polyps experience no symptoms.
- Diagnosis
Doctors can detect polyps using tests like colonoscopy, stool tests, or imaging. Early detection allows for the removal of polyps before they become cancerous, making regular screenings essential for prevention.
Facts
- Colon polyps are common: About 1 in 4 people over the age of 50 will develop polyps.
- Most polyps are harmless: The majority of colon polyps don’t cause symptoms and remain non-cancerous.
- Polyps can develop into cancer: Some polyps can grow and turn into colon cancer if not removed.
- Screening is crucial: Colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and remove polyps early.
- Risk increases with age: People over 50, or with a family history of polyps or colon cancer, are at higher risk.
Know More
- Types of polyps: The two main types are adenomatous polyps (adenomas), which can become cancerous, and hyperplastic polyps, which are usually benign.
- Growth over time: Polyps grow slowly, often taking several years to become cancerous, if they ever do.
- Prevention: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can reduce the risk of polyps forming.
Symptoms
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mucus in the stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bowel obstruction
- Change in stool color or shape
Causes
- Age
- Family History
- Genetic mutations
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diet high in red and processed meats
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Type 2 diabetes
Types of Colon Polyps and Their Characteristics
Colon polyps vary in type and risk. Some remain harmless, while others can turn cancerous. The table below describes common types, their cancer potential, and where they are typically found.
| Type of Polyps | Description | Potential to Become Cancerous | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adenomatous Polyps (Adenomas) | These polyps have a higher chance of becoming cancerous if left untreated. | High potential for malignancy if not removed. | Commonly found throughout the colon. |
| Hyperplastic Polyps | These polyps are usually small and less likely to become cancerous. | Very low risk of becoming cancerous. | Mostly found in the rectum and lower colon. |
| Inflammatory Polyps | Typically found in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), caused by chronic inflammation. | Rarely become cancerous, but underlying IBD increases overall cancer risk. | Found in areas of chronic inflammation, often in the colon. |
| Serrated Polyps | Serrated polyps can range from small (low risk) to larger types that have a higher chance of becoming cancerous. | Larger serrated polyps (sessile serrated adenomas) have cancer risk. | Often found in the upper colon (proximal colon). |
| Villous Adenomas | A type of adenomatous polyp with a higher likelihood of becoming cancerous compared to other adenomas. | High risk of malignancy, especially if larger than 1 cm. | Often found in the rectum or sigmoid colon. |
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Stool DNA test
- Biopsy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Barium enema
- Genetic testing
Treatments
- Polypectomy
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Surgical removal
- Regular surveillance
- Aspirin or NSAIDs
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Control underlying conditions
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How often should I be screened for colon polyps?
- What types of polyps do I have, and are they cancerous?
- How can I reduce my risk of developing polyps in the future?
- What lifestyle changes can help prevent the recurrence of polyps?
- Should I be concerned if I have a family history of colon cancer or polyps?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (GI cancer Surgeon)
Dr Harsh Shah is a well known GI & HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in ahmedabad. He treats cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum & small intestines. He is available at Apollo Hospital.
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