2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Digestive system
Digestive system
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Colorectal polyps
Definition:
A colorectal polyp is a growth that projects (usually on a stalk) from the lining of the colon or rectum.

Alternative Names:
Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign and produce no symptoms, but they may cause painless rectal bleeding. There may be single or multiple polyps and they become more common as people age. Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, can develop into cancer.

Polyps greater than one centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under one centimeter. Risk factors include advancing age, cigarette smoking, high fat or low fiber diet, and a family history of polyps.

Polyps may also be associated with some inheritable disorders, including:
Symptoms:

There are usually no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may occur:
Signs and tests:
A rectal examination may reveal a polyp that can be felt by the physician. However, the physical exam is usually normal

Tests that show polyps:
Treatment:

Over time, colorectal polyps can develop into cancer and should be removed. In most cases, the polyps can be removed at the same time a colonoscopy is performed. For patients with polyps, follow-up colonoscopy should be performed within three years to see if the polyps have returned.

Rarely, for polyps with a high potential of becoming cancerous, a colectomy (removal of a part of the colon) may be recommended.
Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook for patients with colorectal polyps is excellent, assuming the polyps are removed. Polyps that are left behind can develop into cancer over time.
Complications:

Polyps can cause bleeding, and over time, can develop into cancers.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if rectal bleeding occurs.
Prevention:

The following is recommended to reduce the risk of developing polyps:

  • Eat a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake
  • Maintain a normal body weight

People over 50 should have a colonoscopy screening, which makes earlier diagnosis and treatment possible. This can reduce the odds of developing colon cancer, or at least helps catch it in its early, most treatable stage.

Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer by removing polyps before they can become cancer.
Review Date: 11/9/2002
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com