A colorectal polyp is a growth that projects (usually on a stalk) from 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 and produce no symptoms, but they may cause painless rectal bleeding . There may be single or multiple polyps and they become more common as people age. Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, can develop into cancer. Polyps greater than one centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under one centimeter. Risk factors include advancing age, cigarette smoking, high fat or low fiber diet, and a family history of polyps. Polyps may also be associated with some inheritable disorders, including:

Gardner's syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Juvenile polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis

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:

Sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy

Barium enema

Stool guaiac

A

complete blood count may show anemia .

Treatment

Over time, colorectal polyps can develop into cancer and should be removed. In most cases, the polyps can be removed at the same time a colonoscopy is performed. For patients with polyps, follow-up colonoscopy should be performed within three years to see if the polyps have returned. Rarely, for polyps with a high potential of becoming cancerous, a colectomy (removal of a part of the colon) may be recommended.

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.

Prevention

The following is recommended to reduce the risk of developing polyps:

Eat a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake

Maintain a normal body weight

People over 50 should have a colonoscopy screening, which makes earlier diagnosis and treatment possible. This can reduce the odds of developing colon cancer, or at least helps catch it in its early, most treatable stage. Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer by removing polyps before they can become cancer.