BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuColorectal polypsIntestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas; Serrated polyp; Serrated adenoma; Precancerous polyps; Colon cancer - polyps; Bleeding - colorectal polypsA 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. You may have one or many polyps. They become more common with age. There are many types of polyps.BenignBenign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAdenomatous 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 adenoma, which protrudes out in the lumen (open space) of the colon Villous adenoma, which is sometimes 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 polyps, which rarely, if ever, develop into cancer Serrated polyps, which are less common, but may develop into cancer over time Polyps that are 1 centimeter (cm) or larger have a higher cancer risk than polyps smaller than 1 cm. Risk factors for these larger polyps 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, a disease that causes many benign growths in the intestine, usually before 20 years old Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome, a disease that raises the chance of many types of cancer, including in the intestine Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a disease that causes intestinal polyps, usually in the small intestine and usually benignPeutz-Jeghers syndromePeutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder in which growths called polyps form in the intestines. A person with PJS has a high risk for develop...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Polyps usually do not have symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:Blood in the stools Blood in the stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Change in bowel habit Fatigue caused by losing blood over time Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. A large polyp in the rectum may be felt during a rectal exam.Most polyps are found with the following tests:Barium enema (rarely done) Barium enemaA barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Colonoscopy ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sigmoidoscopy SigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy using a flexible scope is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large inte...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool test for hidden (occult) blood Stool testThe stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Virtual colonoscopy Virtual colonoscopyA virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an imaging or x-ray test that looks for cancer, polyps, or other disease in the large intestine (colon). The medical n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool DNA test Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Colorectal polyps should be removed because some can develop into cancer. In most cases, the polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy.CancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 The number of polyps you had The size and type of the polyps Your family history of polyps or cancerIn rare cases, when polyps are very likely to turn into cancer or too large to remove during colonoscopy, the provider will recommend a partial colectomy. This is surgery to remove part of the colon that has the polyps.ColectomyLarge bowel resection is surgery to remove all or part of your large bowel. This surgery is also called colectomy. The large bowel is also called t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The 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 Contact your provider if you have:Blood in a bowel movement Change in bowel habits Prevention To reduce your risk of developing polyps:Eat foods low in fat and eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Do not smoke and do not drink alcohol in excess. Maintain a normal body weight. Get regular exercise. Your provider can order a colonoscopy or other screening tests: Screening testsColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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. All adults should begin one of these tests at age 45.Taking aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, 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 for this purpose.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Chu E. Neoplasms of the small and large intestine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 179.Garber JJ, Chung DC. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126.National Cancer Institute website. Colorectal cancer prevention (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-prevention-pdq. Updated April 11, 2025. Accessed May 15, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2024 - February 27, 2024. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated February 27, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastrointest Endosc. 2022;95(1):1-15. PMID: 34794803 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794803/.Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Ann Intern Med. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. PMID: 37523709 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523709/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.AllVideoImagesTogColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationDigestive 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 systemillustrationColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationDigestive 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 systemillustration Tests for Colorectal polyps ColonoscopySigmoidoscopyRectal biopsyRelated Information Benign(Special Topic)Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(Condition)Virtual colonoscopy(Medical Test)Ileostomy(Surgery)Total proctocolectomy and ileal-anal pouch(Surgery)Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy (Surgery) Review Date: 4/21/2025 Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Colorectal polypsIntestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas; Serrated polyp; Serrated adenoma; Precancerous polyps; Colon cancer - polyps; Bleeding - colorectal polypsA 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. You may have one or many polyps. They become more common with age. There are many types of polyps.BenignBenign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAdenomatous 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 adenoma, which protrudes out in the lumen (open space) of the colon Villous adenoma, which is sometimes 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 polyps, which rarely, if ever, develop into cancer Serrated polyps, which are less common, but may develop into cancer over time Polyps that are 1 centimeter (cm) or larger have a higher cancer risk than polyps smaller than 1 cm. Risk factors for these larger polyps 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, a disease that causes many benign growths in the intestine, usually before 20 years old Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome, a disease that raises the chance of many types of cancer, including in the intestine Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a disease that causes intestinal polyps, usually in the small intestine and usually benignPeutz-Jeghers syndromePeutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder in which growths called polyps form in the intestines. A person with PJS has a high risk for develop...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Polyps usually do not have symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:Blood in the stools Blood in the stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Change in bowel habit Fatigue caused by losing blood over time Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. A large polyp in the rectum may be felt during a rectal exam.Most polyps are found with the following tests:Barium enema (rarely done) Barium enemaA barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Colonoscopy ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sigmoidoscopy SigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy using a flexible scope is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large inte...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool test for hidden (occult) blood Stool testThe stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Virtual colonoscopy Virtual colonoscopyA virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an imaging or x-ray test that looks for cancer, polyps, or other disease in the large intestine (colon). The medical n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool DNA test Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Colorectal polyps should be removed because some can develop into cancer. In most cases, the polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy.CancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 The number of polyps you had The size and type of the polyps Your family history of polyps or cancerIn rare cases, when polyps are very likely to turn into cancer or too large to remove during colonoscopy, the provider will recommend a partial colectomy. This is surgery to remove part of the colon that has the polyps.ColectomyLarge bowel resection is surgery to remove all or part of your large bowel. This surgery is also called colectomy. The large bowel is also called t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The 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 Contact your provider if you have:Blood in a bowel movement Change in bowel habits Prevention To reduce your risk of developing polyps:Eat foods low in fat and eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Do not smoke and do not drink alcohol in excess. Maintain a normal body weight. Get regular exercise. Your provider can order a colonoscopy or other screening tests: Screening testsColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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. All adults should begin one of these tests at age 45.Taking aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, 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 for this purpose.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Chu E. Neoplasms of the small and large intestine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 179.Garber JJ, Chung DC. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126.National Cancer Institute website. Colorectal cancer prevention (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-prevention-pdq. Updated April 11, 2025. Accessed May 15, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2024 - February 27, 2024. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated February 27, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastrointest Endosc. 2022;95(1):1-15. PMID: 34794803 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34794803/.Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Ann Intern Med. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. PMID: 37523709 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523709/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.
