15370 Colon Polyps

Overview

Colon polyps are small growths that appear on the inside lining of the large intestine (colon). Most are harmless, but some types can turn into cancer over time if not removed.

Yes, colon polyps are very common. About one in four adults over 50 has at least one polyp.

Anyone can develop colon polyps, but they are more likely in people over 50, those with a family history of polyps or bowel cancer, people who smoke, and those with certain inflammatory bowel conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most colon polyps cause no symptoms at all.
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool
• A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few days, such as diarrhea or constipation

Symptoms in children

• Colon polyps are rare in children, but when they do occur, the most common sign is painless rectal bleeding.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice blood in the stool, anemia (low blood count), or a change in bowel habits, but many still have no symptoms.

Causes

Main causes

• Colon polyps happen when cells in the lining of the colon grow and divide abnormally.
• The exact cause is not always known, but genetic changes and inherited conditions play a role in some cases.
• Certain digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, increase the chance of polyps.

Risk factors

• Being over the age of 50
• A personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Being overweight or having a diet high in red and processed meats
• Having type 2 diabetes or an inflammatory bowel disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you notice blood in your stool, black stools, or persistent cramping.
• If you have any new bowel symptoms that last more than a few days, book an appointment.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about regular colon cancer screening, especially if you are 45 or older or have risk factors.
• If you have a family history of colon polyps or cancer, ask about earlier screening.

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose colon polyps during a colonoscopy, which is a test that uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the entire colon. Other tests like a stool test for blood or DNA can also point to the need for a colonoscopy.

Tests that may be done

• Colonoscopy – the main test that can see and remove polyps in one go.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – looks at only the lower part of the colon.
• Stool-based tests – check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in your stool.
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) – a special X-ray that images the colon.

What to expect at your appointment

During a colonoscopy, you will be given medicine to make you relaxed and sleepy. The doctor should be able to tell you if any polyps were found after the test. If a polyp is removed, it will be sent to a lab to check whether it is harmless, precancerous, or cancerous.

Treatment

Most colon polyps can be removed during colonoscopy, so many people do not need any other treatment. The removal is quick, usually painless, and can stop a polyp from turning into cancer.

Self-care at home

• Follow your doctor's advice after the procedure, including any food or activity limits.
• Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Watch for signs of fever, heavy bleeding, or severe pain and report them right away.

Medical treatments

The main treatment is to remove the polyp during a colonoscopy. This is called a polypectomy. The doctor uses a wire loop, forceps, or electric current to snip off the polyp. For larger polyps, a specialist may need to do a more complex procedure. In rare cases, if a polyp contains cancer, further treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy may be recommended, but your care team will explain all options in detail.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually needed only when a polyp is very large, cannot be safely removed with a colonoscope, or already contains cancer cells that have spread deeper into the bowel wall.

Living with this condition

If you have had a polyp removed, you will likely go back to normal life the next day. The most important part of living with a history of polyps is keeping up with follow-up appointments, as your doctor may want to check again in a few years.

Lifestyle tips

• Attend all scheduled colonoscopy follow-ups.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking if you smoke.
• Stay active with regular physical activity.

Diet and exercise

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is good for your colon. Limit red meat, processed meats, and fried foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, like brisk walking.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have polyps can feel worrying, but try to remember that polyps are common and very treatable. If you feel anxious about cancer or procedures, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent colon polyps, but healthy habits can lower your risk. These include eating a high-fiber diet, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.

Screening programmes

Regular screening is the best way to find and remove polyps before they become cancer. In the UK, the NHS offers bowel cancer screening to everyone aged 50 and older. Your doctor can tell you which test is right for you and how often you need it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Some polyps slowly turn into colorectal cancer over years.
• A large polyp may cause bleeding that leads to anemia.
• Rarely, a polyp can block the bowel and cause severe pain or constipation.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most polyps are not cancer, and removing them is simple and safe. If cancer is found at an early stage, treatment is far more likely to succeed. The key is to have screening when you are due and to follow your doctor's advice.

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