Colorectal polyps Health Article

Definition

A colorectal polyp is a growth that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum.

Alternative Names

Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign. There may be single or many polyps, and they become more common as people age.

Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, may develop into cancer. Another common type of polyp found in the colon is called a hyperplastic polyp, which usually does not develop into colon cancer.

Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include:

• Age
• Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Polyps may also be associated with some inherited disorders, including:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Gardner's syndrome
• Juvenile polyposis
• Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may occur:

• Abdominal pain (rare)
• Bloody stools
• Fatigue associated with anemia
• Rectal bleeding

Signs and tests

A rectal examination may reveal a polyp that can be felt by the physician. However, the physical exam is usually normal.

Tests that show polyps:

• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy

Treatment

Over time, adenomatous colorectal polyps can develop into cancer and should be removed. In most cases, the polyps may be removed at the same time a colonoscopy is performed. For patients with polyps, follow-up colonoscopy should be performed within 3 - 5 years to see if the polyps have returned.

Rarely, for polyps with a high potential of becoming cancerous, the health care provider may recommend a colectomy (removal of a part of the colon).

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook for patients with colorectal polyps is excellent, assuming the polyps are removed. Polyps that are left behind can develop into cancer over time.

Complications

Polyps can cause bleeding, and over time, can develop into cancers.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if rectal bleeding occurs.