What are colon polyps?

More than forty percent of patients over fifty years of age will have precancerous polyps in their colons. A polyp is a benign growth that develops in the lining of the bowel. While they can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, they are most often found in the colon. Polyps can vary in size, and their shape can resemble that of mushrooms. Polyps may also be flat and the majority do not contain cancer. The two types of polyps are adenoma and hyperplastic polyps. While hyperplastic polyps are not at risk for cancer, the adenoma type of polyps is thought to be the origin of the majority of colon cancers. Smaller polyps are less likely to become cancerous than larger ones. Polyps usually do not cause any symptoms in patients, and patients are often tested to detect polyps despite experiencing no symptoms.  

Risk factors for developing polyps include genetics, obesity, diabetes, inadequate exercise, and smoking. Those with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may also be at higher risk for developing polyps, and these conditions also increase the patient’s risk of developing colon cancer. However, even if these risk factors do not apply to the patient, they are still at risk of developing cancerous polyps. Though more common in older patients, younger patients can also be at risk for developing polyps, especially if they have rare syndromes or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

How are polyps found and removed?

There are several different screening techniques used to detect polyps. A doctor may test the patient’s stool, perform a sigmoidoscopy, or use a radiology test such as a barium swallow and CT colonography. If polyps are found during a test, a doctor will then remove them during a colonoscopy procedure. Colonoscopies are also used as a screening procedure to detect and remove polyps. There are various techniques for removing polyps. One involves removing them with biopsy forceps or a wire loop, which sometimes involves an electrical current. This procedure is called a polypectomy or polyp resection. Polyp removal during a colonoscopy is usually conducted as an outpatient procedure. Complications occurring during this procedure are uncommon. Doctors may recommend that patients undergo a routine colonoscopy screening sooner rather than later if they are at higher risk of developing colon polyps or colon cancer.

Patients should talk to their doctor about preventative screenings and what healthy habits they can develop to prevent polyps and colon cancer. Contact the specialists at Granite State Gastroenterology to learn more about preventative screenings.