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

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

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

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

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

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).

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.

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

Call your health care provider if rectal bleeding occurs.

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

Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer by removing polyps before they can become cancer. People over age 50 should have a colonoscopy screening, which makes earlier diagnosis and treatment possible. This may reduce the odds of developing colon cancer, or at least help catch it in its most treatable stage. Those with a family history of colon cancer or colon polpys may need to be screened at an earlier age.

See physical exam frequency for further recommendations about having a screening test.

Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal

Smith RA, Cokkinides V, Eyre HJ. American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006;56:11-25.

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.