Colon polyps are growths in the colon or the rectum. The cause of most colon polyps is not known, and most people who get them do not have any problems. But a certain kind can turn into cancer. For this reason, regular testing for colon polyps is important for people as they get older. It is also important for anyone who has an increased risk for colon cancer.
Polyps are usually found through routine colon cancer screening tests. Although most colon polyps are not cancerous, they are usually removed and then tested for cancer. Screening for colon cancer saves lives because the cancer can usually be cured if it is caught early.
If you have a polyp that is the type that can turn into cancer, you may need more tests to examine your entire colon. The doctor will remove any other polyps that are found, and you will be tested more often.
Colon polyps are growths in your colon, or large intestine. Some types can turn into colon cancer, but it usually takes many years for that to happen.
Finding these polyps early may help prevent cancer or find it at a stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
You can have colon polyps and not know it, because they usually don't cause symptoms. They are usually found during routine screening tests for colorectal cancer. If polyps get large, they can cause symptoms. You may have bleeding from your rectum or a change in your bowel habits.
Photo credit: Jacqueline Littée, RN. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved.
A polyp is a small growth of excess tissue that often grows on a stem or stalk on the inner surface of the large intestine (colon). Most polyps do not contain cancer cells. But some polyps can become cancerous over time.
Doctors often remove colon polyps, because some of them can turn into colorectal cancer. Most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. You may need to have surgery if you have a large polyp.
After removal, polyps are checked to find out if they are the kind that could become cancer. If cancer is found when the colon polyps are checked, you will begin treatment for colorectal cancer.
For some types of polyps, the bigger a colon polyp is the more likely it is that the polyp will contain cancer cells. After you have had polyps, you have a higher chance of developing new polyps. If you have had polyps removed, it is important to have follow-up tests to look for more polyps. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to be tested.
Most polyps are found during tests for colorectal cancer. The tests for colorectal cancer include stool tests that can be done at home and procedures, such as a colonoscopy, that are done at your doctor's office or clinic.
You can't prevent colon polyps. You may help lower your risk for cancer by staying at a healthy weight, being active, and eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains. Do not smoke. And limit alcohol. Regular exams are the best way to check for polyps and lower your risk for cancer.
Colon polyps are growths in the colon or rectum. The cause of most colon polyps is not known.
Most polyps do not cause symptoms. But large polyps are more likely than small polyps to cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding.
Some polyps are attached to the wall of the colon or rectum by a stalk or stem (pedunculated). Some have a broad base with little or no stalk (sessile).
You are more likely to have colon polyps if you:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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