Colorectal polyps
Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas; Serrated polyp; Serrated adenoma; Precancerous polyps; Colon cancer - polyps; Bleeding - colorectal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
Causes
Polyps of the colon and rectum are most often benign. This means they are not a cancer. You may have one or many polyps. They become more common with age. There are many types of polyps.
Benign
Benign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not in...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleAdenomatous polyps are a common type. They are gland-like growths that develop on the mucous membrane that lines the large intestine. They are also called adenomas and are most often one of the following:
- Tubular polyp, which protrudes out in the lumen (open space) of the colon
- Villous adenoma, which is sometimes flat and spreading, and is more likely to become a cancer
When adenomas become cancerous, they are known as adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that originate in glandular tissue cells. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colorectal cancer.
Other types of polyps are:
- Hyperplastic polyps, which rarely, if ever, develop into cancer
- Serrated polyps, which are less common, but may develop into cancer over time
Polyps that are 1 centimeter (cm) or larger have a higher cancer risk than polyps smaller than 1 cm. Risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps
- A type of polyp called villous adenoma
A small number of people with polyps may also be linked to some inherited disorders, including:
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Gardner syndrome (a type of FAP)
- Juvenile polyposis, a disease that causes many benign growths in the intestine, usually before 20 years old
- Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome, a disease that raises the chance of many types of cancer, including in the intestine
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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a disease that causes intestinal polyps, usually in the small intestine and usually benign
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder in which growths called polyps form in the intestines. A person with PJS has a high risk for develop...
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Symptoms
Polyps usually do not have symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:
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Blood in the stools
Blood in the stools
Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...
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- Fatigue caused by losing blood over time
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. A large polyp in the rectum may be felt during a rectal exam.
Most polyps are found with the following tests:
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Barium enema (rarely done)
Barium enema
Barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.
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Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...
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Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...
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Stool test for hidden (occult) blood
Stool test
The stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is the most commo...
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Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an imaging or x-ray test that looks for cancer, polyps, or other disease in the large intestine (colon). The medical nam...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Stool DNA test
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Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign...
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Treatment
Colorectal polyps should be removed because some can develop into cancer. In most cases, the polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy.
Cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleFor people with adenomatous polyps, new polyps can appear in the future. You should have a repeat colonoscopy, usually 1 to 10 years later, depending on:
- Your age and general health
- Number of polyps you had
- Size and type of the polyps
- Family history of polyps or cancer
In rare cases, when polyps are very likely to turn into cancer or too large to remove during colonoscopy, the provider will recommend a partial colectomy. This is surgery to remove part of the colon that has the polyps.
Colectomy
Large bowel resection is surgery to remove all or part of your large bowel. This surgery is also called colectomy. The large bowel is also called t...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOutlook (Prognosis)
The outlook is excellent if the polyps are removed. Polyps that are not removed can develop into cancer over time.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have:
- Blood in a bowel movement
- Change in bowel habits
Prevention
To reduce your risk of developing polyps:
- Eat foods low in fat and eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
- Do not smoke and do not drink alcohol in excess.
- Maintain a normal body weight.
- Get regular exercise.
Your provider can order a colonoscopy or other screening tests:
Screening tests
Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article- These tests help prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. This may reduce the chance of developing colon cancer, or at least help catch it in its most treatable stage.
- All adults should begin one of these tests at age 45.
Taking aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, or similar medicines may help reduce the risk for new polyps. Be aware that these medicines can have serious side effects if taken for a long time. Side effects include bleeding in the stomach or colon and heart disease. Talk with your provider before taking these medicines.
References
Garber JJ, Chung DC. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2023 – May 17, 2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated May 17, 2023. Accessed August 2, 2023.
Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastrointest Endosc. 2022;95(1):1-15. PMID: 34794803 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794803/.
Qaseem A, Crandall CJ, Mustafa RA, Hicks LA, Wilt TJ. Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2019;171(9):643-654. PMID: 31683290 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31683290/.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.
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Colorectal polyps
Animation
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Colonoscopy - illustration
There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.
Colonoscopy
illustration
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
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Colonoscopy - illustration
There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.
Colonoscopy
illustration
-
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
Review Date: 5/2/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.