What Causes Polyps in the Colon?

There are several different types of polyps, and some polyps have the potential to become cancerous.

Colon polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that project from mucous membranes on the lining of the large intestine (colon). They may be flat or may appear to be attached by a stalk (pedunculated). Colon polyps are the most common type of polyp.

There are several different types of polyps, and some polyps have the potential to become cancerous. 

Polyps that usually do not become cancerous include: 

• Inflammatory polyps 
• Hamartomatous polyps 

3 Types of polyps that may become cancerous include:  

• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas)
• Hyperplastic polyps
• Sessile-serrated and traditional-serrated polyps

Colon polyps often have no symptoms. When symptoms of colon polyps occur, they may include:

• Blood in stool
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort

What Causes Colon Polyps?

Causes of colon polyps include: 

• Lifestyle 
  • High-fat diet
  • Diet high in red meat
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
• Aging 
• Family history and genetics

In addition to a physical examination, colon polyps are often diagnosed during screening to check for colon or rectal cancer. 

Tests for colon polyps include: 

• Colonoscopy 
• Sigmoidoscopy 
• Computerized tomography (CT) colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy) 
• Stool test 
• Capsule colonoscopy 

A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken of the colon polyp to determine if it is cancerous. 

Polyps are usually removed when they are found on colonoscopy in order to eliminate the chance for them to become cancerous. Surgical removal of colon polyps is called a polypectomy, which is performed through a colonoscopy. 

Colorectal cancer can often be prevented if precancerous polyps (such as adenomas) are detected and removed before they become cancerous (malignant).

What Are the Complications of Colon Polyps?

Complications of colon polyps include: 

• Bleeding
• Obstruction
• Diarrhea
• Development of cancer

Complications of polypectomy to remove colon polyps are uncommon and may include bleeding and intestinal perforation (rare).