What Are Precancerous Colon Polyps?

A colon polyp is a clump of cells that develop in the lining of the colon. Most polyps are benign, but polyps can become cancerous if they are not removed. Polyps are usually identified through screening tests.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, many polyps do not cause symptoms, but some patients may notice rectal bleeding or bloody stools. A change in bowel habits and a painful or obstructed bowel can be signs of a large colon polyp.

Causes

• Genetic mutations can cause abnormal cell growth that can result in a colon polyp. Larger colon polyps are more likely to become cancerous than smaller polyps.

Risk Factors

• The risk of developing colon polyps is higher in people over the age of 40, patients with inflammatory colon conditions and individuals with a family history of colon polyps.

Testing

• Colon polyps can be identified by a doctor during a colonoscopy examination where a small tube is inserted into a patient's colon with a video camera attached to it. A sigmoidoscopy is a similar procedure that is used to view the last two feet of the colon.

Treatment

• Many colon polyps can be removed using a snare that is attached to the tube that is used during a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy. Larger polyps may need to be surgically removed.