Colonic Polyps
Summary
A polyp is an extra piece of tissue that grows inside your body. Colonic polyps grow in the large intestine, or colon. Most polyps are not dangerous. However, some polyps may turn into cancer or already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove polyps and test them. Polyps can be removed when a doctor examines the inside of the large intestine during a colonoscopy.
Anyone can get polyps, but certain people are more likely than others. You may have a greater chance of getting polyps if you :
- Are over age 50
- Have had polyps before
- Have a family member with polyps
- Have a family history of colon cancer
Most colon polyps do not cause symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include blood on your underwear or on toilet paper after a bowel movement, blood in your stool, or constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a week.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Colon Polyps
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Polyps of the Colon and Rectum (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) Also in Spanish
