What is a colon polyp?
A colorectal polyp is a growth that forms on the lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum, most commonly as people age. Also called large bowel polyps, some types of polyps may develop into cancer over time—others never will. Because we don’t know which colon polyps are harmless and which will become cancerous, we remove all visible polyps during routine colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancer. In fact, this is the best way to prevent colon cancer.
At MedStar Health, our gastroenterologists, attentive nurses, and skilled technicians emphasize a safe, high-quality experience when it comes to colonoscopies. We hold ourselves to the highest standards for thorough tests that give you the answers you need—and the appropriate next steps for your best health.
Colon polyp signs and symptoms
Unfortunately, colon polyps rarely cause symptoms. By the time signs of a problem arise, such as bleeding, any polyps in the bowel may have become cancerous.
That’s why it’s critical to stay up-to-date on colon cancer screenings via colonoscopy, even if you have no colon polyp symptoms.
Risk factors and causes
One of the most well-known risk factors for colon polyps is a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, especially at a younger age. If you have an immediate first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, who was diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer before age 60, you should begin getting colonoscopies whenever you are ten years younger than the age of their diagnosis. Talk to your primary care provider about when you should begin colon cancer screening.
Other risk factors for colorectal polyps include obesity, alcohol use, tobacco use, and a diet high in processed and fatty foods. Your risk also increases as you age.
Polyps may also be associated with some inherited disorders passed down from family members. These may include:
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Familial adenomatous polyposis
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Familial colon cancer
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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Genetic syndromes may predispose you to developing colon polyps and potentially colon cancer. If you have a family member diagnosed with a polyposis syndrome or Lynch, you should consider talking to a genetic counselor. Genetic counseling can help you understand the benefits of genetic testing and a personalized colon cancer prevention strategy.
Preventing colon polyps
To reduce the risk of developing polyps, healthcare providers recommend:
- Eating a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
However, colorectal polyps can’t always be prevented. That’s why it’s critical to undergo screening colonoscopies, which ensure your gastroenterologist can find and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous. There are other types of colon cancer screenings, such as blood tests and stool tests which can aid in the detection of colon polyps. However, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it is the only screening tool that allows your doctor to remove polyps at the same time. If you undergo a stool screening test that suggests you have colon polyps or cancer, you will still need a colonoscopy so your provider can remove them.
Diagnosis and treatment
Routine screening colonoscopies are the best way to find and treat colon polyps. A colonoscopy is a test that allows your gastroenterologist to look inside the colon and rectum for abnormal growths. During a colonoscopy, a thin, long tube (colonoscope) attached to a small camera is inserted into the rectum and colon. Your doctor can also pass small instruments through the colonoscope, in the event they need to remove polyps.
How frequently you should have a screening colonoscopy will vary depending on the number, size, and type of polyps that were found as well as your age and medical history.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Omolola Akinmadelo, FNP-BC, DNP
Gastroenterology & Kidney Transplant Surgery
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Ghassan Abdullah Alzayer, MD
Gastroenterology
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Nikiya O Asamoah, MD
Gastroenterology
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Heather Norton Benedetto, FNP
Gastroenterology
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Samer Charbel, MD
Gastroenterology
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Alan Chen, MD
Gastroenterology
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Aaron Michael Fond, MD
Gastroenterology
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Lauren Ashley George, MD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gastroenterology & Gastroenterology
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Joseph James Jennings, MD
Gastroenterology
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Bergen Iris Kassoff, PA
Gastroenterology
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Lauren Livesay, FNP-C
Gastroenterology
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Denise Marlatte, FNP
Gastroenterology
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Alireza Meighani, MD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gastroenterology & Gastroenterology
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Nicole Mitchell, CRNP
Gastroenterology
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Meggin A. Sabatino, DNP
Gastroenterology
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Molly Robeson Wilcox, FNPBC
Gastroenterology
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Frequently asked questions
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How common are colon polyps?
Colon polyps are very common. In the United States, 30 to 35 percent of women will have colon polyps at their first colonoscopy, as well as 40 to 45 percent of men. That’s why colon cancer screenings are recommended for those age 45 and up—or potentially earlier if you have a family history. Timely screening ensures we can find and remove them before they become more serious.
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What do colon polyps look like?
Colon (large bowel) polyps can look a variety of ways, depending on the type of polyp. Some resemble a small mushroom while others look more like a bump attached to the colon lining. Less commonly, polyps can be flat, making them harder to spot and remove.
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What are the different types of polyps?
Certain types of polyps may have more potential to develop into cancer than others. For example, non-neoplastic polyps won’t grow into cancer. However, neoplastic polyps, such as adenomatous polyps or sessile serrated polyps, are considered precancerous because they could become malignant—although they don’t always. Your doctor will likely remove all types of polyps to minimize the chance of cancer altogether.