Colon polyps are growths on the inside lining of your colon (large intestine). They’re a type of tumor, a cluster or mass of abnormal cells. Polyps are tumors that grow out of the mucous lining inside your hollow organs, like your gastrointestinal tract, your nose, or female reproductive organs.
Colon polyps are common, and many are harmless. But some types can grow into cancer if they aren’t removed. This is why healthcare providers look for polyps in your colon during a colonoscopy, an exam inside your colon. While polyps aren’t cancer, almost all colorectal cancer starts from a polyp.
Healthcare providers classify colon polyps in a couple of different ways. One way is by looking at the shape. If a polyp looks like a mushroom, with a “head” and “stalk,” they call it “pedunculated.” If it doesn’t have a stalk and looks more like a raised lump with a broad base, they call it “sessile.”
Providers also consider how polyps look under a microscope. Different types have different microscopic features because they grow and develop using different processes. These same processes also determine whether a polyp can grow into cancer or not. So, different types of polyps have different cancerous potential.
Colon polyps are common, especially as you get older. They affect about 20% of adults overall and about 40% over the age of 50, as well as 6% of children. People of all ethnicities and genders are at risk of colon polyps and colon cancer. They’re slightly more common in Western nations, in general.
Most colon polyps and many colorectal cancers won’t cause any symptoms. This is why screening — testing for diseases before you have symptoms — is so important. Usually, by the time you do have symptoms, the polyp has already turned into cancer.
Possible symptoms, though uncommon, include:
Signs of colorectal bleeding. If you have bleeding polyps, you might notice blood in your poop or when you wipe. A slow bleed might not be visible, but after a while, you might feel it. You might develop iron deficiency anemia, which causes side effects like weakness and fatigue.
Unexplained poop changes. Rarely, do some people suddenly develop chronic diarrhea or constipation or start seeing excess mucus in their poop. These symptoms have many more likely causes than polyps, but they’re worth checking out, especially if you can’t explain them.
Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon, which are usually benign. However, some types of polyps, especially adenomatous polyps, can develop into colon cancer over time if left untreated. Regular screening helps detect and remove polyps early, reducing the risk of colon cancer.
The recommended screening age typically starts at 45-50 years old, but those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier. Screening methods, such as a colonoscopy, should be done every 10 years if no polyps are found. If polyps are discovered, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right screening schedule for you.
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and polyps. A diet high in fiber, low in red and processed meats, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lower your risk. Regular screenings are also essential for early detection.
Early-stage colon polyps and cancer often have no symptoms. However, as they grow, common symptoms may include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation), blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. Regular screenings are key to catching polyps and cancer early before symptoms develop.
Individuals over the age of 50, those with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, individuals with certain genetic conditions (like Lynch syndrome), and those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at higher risk. Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and a diet high in processed foods also increase risk.
Most colon polyps have the potential to become cancerous, which is why healthcare providers remove them during a colonoscopy. But very few of them do turn into cancer, and it takes a long time for them to do so. The risk of a random, average-size colon polyp becoming cancerous is estimated to be 8% over 10 years and 24% over 20 years.
Colon polyps affect about 20% of adults overall and about 40% of people over 50. They’re more common in men and older adults whereas colon cancer is the third most common non-skin cancer in both men and women in the United States.
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