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Colorectal polyps

Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas; Serrated polyp; Serrated adenoma; Precancerous polyps; Colon cancer - polyps

 

A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.

Causes

 

Polyps of the colon and rectum are most often benign . This means they are not a cancer and do not spread. You may have one or many polyps. They become more common with age. There are many types of polyps.

Adenomatous polyps are a common type. They are gland-like growths that develop on the mucous membrane that lines the large intestine. They are also called adenomas and are most often one of the following:

  • Tubular polyp, which protrudes out in the center of the colon
  • Villous adenoma, which is flat and spreading, and is more likely to become a cancer

When adenomas become cancerous, they are known as adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that originate in glandular tissue cells. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colorectal cancer.

Other types of polyps are:

  • Hyperplastic polyp, which usually do not develop into cancer
  • Serrated polyp, which is less common but may develop into cancer over time

Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter (cm) have a higher cancer risk than polyps smaller than 1 centimeter. Risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • A type of polyp called villous adenoma

A small number of people with polyps may also be linked to some inherited disorders, including:

  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Gardner syndrome (a type of FAP)
  • Juvenile polyposis (disease that causes many benign growths in the intestine, usually before 20 years old)
  • Lynch syndrome (HNPCC; disease that raises the chance of many types of cancer, including in the intestine)
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (disease that causes intestinal polyps)

 

Symptoms

 

Polyps usually do not have symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:

  • Blood in the stools
  • Change in bowel habit
  • Fatigue caused by losing blood over time

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. A large polyp may be felt during a rectal exam.

Most polyps are found with the following tests:

  • Barium enema
  • Colonoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Stool test for hidden (occult) blood
  • Virtual colonoscopy

 

Treatment

 

Colorectal polyps should be removed because some can develop into cancer. In most cases, the polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy.

For people with adenomatous polyps, new polyps can appear in the future. You should have a repeat colonoscopy usually 1 to 10 years later, depending on:

  • Your age and general health
  • Number of polyps you had
  • Size and type of the polyps
  • Family history of polyps or cancer

In rare cases, when polyps are very likely to turn into cancer or too large to remove during colonoscopy, the doctor will recommend a colectomy . This is surgery to remove part of the colon that has the polyps.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Outlook is excellent if the polyps are removed. Polyps that are not removed can develop into cancer over time.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have:

  • Blood in a bowel movement
  • Change in bowel habit

 

Prevention

 

To reduce your risk of developing polyps:

  • Eat foods low in fat and eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol in excess.
  • Maintain a normal body weight.
  • Get regular exercise.

Your provider can order a colonoscopy or other screening tests :

  • These tests help prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. This may reduce the chance of developing colon cancer, or at least help catch it in its most treatable stage.
  • Most people should begin these tests at age 50. Those with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps may need to be screened at an earlier age or more often.

Taking aspirin or similar medicines may help reduce the risk for new polyps. Be aware that these medicines can have serious side effects if taken for a long time. Side effects include bleeding in the stomach or colon and heart disease. Talk with your provider before taking these medicines.

 

 

Open References

References

Cannom RR, Melton GB. The management of colorectal polyps. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:241-245.

Itzkowitz SH, Potack J. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 126.

Lieberman DA, Rex DK, Winawer SJ, et al. United States Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology . 2012;143:844-857. PMID: 22763141 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22763141 .

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2015. Available at: www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf . Accessed January 25, 2016.

Van Schaeybroeck S, Lawler M, Johnston B, et al. Colorectal cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 77.

 

  • Colorectal polyps

    Animation

    •  

    Colorectal polyps - Animation

    Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The good news is that early diagnosis often leads to a complete cure. Let's talk today about colorectal polyps. A colorectal polyp is a growth of tissue that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are benign, meaning that they're not cancer and they won't spread, but over time certain types can develop into cancer. One of these types is called adenomatous polyps. These are known as pre-cancerous polyps. Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include your age, family history of colon cancer or polyps, and a type of polyp called villous adenoma. Polyps may also be associated with a few genetically inherited disorders. So, how do you know if you have polyps? Well, usually, you won't have any symptoms. Some people, however, may feel abdominal pain (rarely), have blood in their stool, and feel fatigue from losing blood over time. Usually, a routine colon cancer screening will reveal a polyp through tests called barium enema, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy. So, what do you do about polyps? Well, because colorectal polyps can develop into cancer, your doctor should remove them. Usually, polyps will be removed during a colonoscopy. If your doctor finds that you have adenomatous polyps, be aware that you may get new polyps in the future. Your doctor will recommend that you have a follow-up colonoscopy in 1 to 10 years, depending upon your age and general health, the number of polyps the doctor found, the size and characteristic of the polyps, and if cancer was found. The good news is that your outlook is excellent if your doctor removes colorectal polyps and performs routine surveillance and screening.

  • Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy - illustration

    There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon, colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon), and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.

    Colonoscopy

    illustration

  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Colorectal polyps

    Animation

    •  

    Colorectal polyps - Animation

    Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The good news is that early diagnosis often leads to a complete cure. Let's talk today about colorectal polyps. A colorectal polyp is a growth of tissue that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are benign, meaning that they're not cancer and they won't spread, but over time certain types can develop into cancer. One of these types is called adenomatous polyps. These are known as pre-cancerous polyps. Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include your age, family history of colon cancer or polyps, and a type of polyp called villous adenoma. Polyps may also be associated with a few genetically inherited disorders. So, how do you know if you have polyps? Well, usually, you won't have any symptoms. Some people, however, may feel abdominal pain (rarely), have blood in their stool, and feel fatigue from losing blood over time. Usually, a routine colon cancer screening will reveal a polyp through tests called barium enema, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy. So, what do you do about polyps? Well, because colorectal polyps can develop into cancer, your doctor should remove them. Usually, polyps will be removed during a colonoscopy. If your doctor finds that you have adenomatous polyps, be aware that you may get new polyps in the future. Your doctor will recommend that you have a follow-up colonoscopy in 1 to 10 years, depending upon your age and general health, the number of polyps the doctor found, the size and characteristic of the polyps, and if cancer was found. The good news is that your outlook is excellent if your doctor removes colorectal polyps and performs routine surveillance and screening.

  • Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy - illustration

    There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon, colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon), and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.

    Colonoscopy

    illustration

  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

A Closer Look

 

    Tests for Colorectal polyps

     
     

    Review Date: 10/27/2015

    Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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