Definition

Colon polyps are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which are parts of the digestive system.

The 2 most common kinds of polyps are:

• Adenomatous polyps—which are pre-cancerous and can become larger over time and may develop into cancer
• Hyperplastic polyps—do not increase in size and only rarely become cancerous

Causes

The cause of most colon polyps is unknown. It may be partly due to hereditary factors.

There are certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, which cause many polyps to form.

Risk Factors

Colon polyps are more common in people over 50 years old. Other factors that may increase your chance of colon polyps include:

• Family members with colon polyps or colon cancer
• Personal history of colon or rectal cancer
• Weight gain and obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol use disorder

Symptoms

Symptoms are often not present. Polyps are often found during an endoscopy/colonscopy or x-ray. If symptoms are present, they can include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea, constipation, and/or bloating that lasts over a period of time
• Abdominal pain or cramping, rarely

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

• Stool test
• Digital rectal exam
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Biopsy

Images of your internal body structures may be done with a barium enema or an abdominal x-ray.

Treatment

Depending on the size of the polyp, it may be removed. Large polyps are at high risk for becoming cancerous. They should be removed. Usually, polyps can be removed during colonoscopy.

If the polyps are very large, you may need to have surgery to have them removed. Your doctor may send the tissue from the removed polyps to be tested for cancer.

Prevention

It’s not clear how polyps can be prevented. However, the following guidelines can help you stay healthy and may help prevent not only polyps, but also colon cancer:

• Eat a high fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Reduce the amount of animal fat in your diet. This occurs in beef and other meat products, as well as full-fat dairy products.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you smoke, ask your doctor how to quit.
• See your doctor for regular screenings after the age of 50.
• More frequent screenings may be needed if polyps are found.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov

The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology http://www.cag-acg.org

Polyps of the colon and rectum. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/polyps-colon-and-rectum. Accessed July 12, 2013.

What I need to know about colon polyps. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/colon-polyps/Pages/overview.aspx
Updated April 30, 2012. Accessed July 12, 2013.

2/5/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Kim Y, Kim Y, Lee S. An association between colonic adenoma and abdominal obesity: A cross-sectional study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2009;9:4.

5/11/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Jacobs ET, Ahnen DJ, Ashbeck EL, et al. Association between body mass index and colorectal neoplasia at follow-up colonoscopy: A pooling study. Am J Epidemiol. 2009;169(6):657-666.

7/6/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Wise LA, Rosenberg L, Palmer JR, Adams-Campbell LL. Anthropometric risk factors for colorectal polyps in African-American women. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008;16(4):859-868.