Colon polyps are very common, but they can be dangerous if they become cancerous. Polyps are caused by changes in the genetic material of the cells in the intestinal lining. Beginning as a tiny clump of cells, polyps develop painlessly and without symptoms. All polyps are benign during initial formation, but they can become malignant. During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist can remove any precancerous polyps during the procedure to prevent polyps from developing into life-threatening colon cancer.
Even though most cases of colon cancer affect men and women above the age of 50, anyone can develop a polyp. There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a colon polyp such as age, smoking, being overweight, and having a family or personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
There are many different types of polyps. Some of them include:
- Adenomas. These polyps are the most common and comprise about 75 percent of all polyps. If these polyps are not removed, they can grow in to cancer. The three types of adenomas are :
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- adenomatous—About 66 percent of polyps are adenomatous, and almost all malignant polyps are adenomatous.
- serrated—Depending on the size and location of the polyp, they could become cancerous.
- inflammatory—Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can flare up and cause polyps.
- Hyperplastic. These small, round polyps are less than ¼ inch wide and are usually benign. Hyperplastic polyps on the right side of the colon must be removed because they could become cancerous.
- Flat polyps. These polyps look somewhat like a mushroom, and they can easily remain hidden during a colonoscopy. Because studies reveal that flat polyps can be dangerous, doctors are removing them with just as much care as with circular polyps. They can be very difficult to identify in the colon because they blend in to the colon wall.
Colon cancer often does not have any symptoms in the early stages, so it is possible to have colon cancer without any warning signs. Because of this, it is important to be current with your colon screenings and make regular visits to your primary care physician. If you experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, black or tarry stools, abdominal cramping, vomiting, anemia or light-headedness, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection means early intervention.