Bowel polyps are not usually cancerous, although if they're discovered they'll need to be removed, as some will eventually turn into cancer if left untreated. Some people just develop one polyp, while others may have a few. They tend to occur in people over the age of 60.
Most colorectal cancers start as colon polyps, abnormal growths in the wall of the colon. Some polyps can develop into cancer if left untreated for a long time (usually at least 10 years). Screening is crucial for cancer detection because most colorectal cancers don't cause symptoms in the early stages.
The most common types of polyps are hyperplastic and adenomatous. The former has no potential to become cancerous, but adenomatous polyps can turn into cancer if not removed, and in adults, you have an increased chance of developing more polyps.
Most polyps grow slowly and take from between 10 and 15 years to become cancerous.
Most people with colon polyps have no symptoms and don't know they have them. But if you have symptoms — like rectal bleeding, blood in your stools, or other bowel changes — you should see your provider.
Cancerous polyps may cause no symptoms at all. But if you do have symptoms, they depend on where the polyp is located: Colorectal polyps may cause belly pain, constipation, diarrhea or blood in your poop. Stomach polyps may cause nausea, belly pain, vomiting and bleeding.
A gastroenterologist, the specialist who usually performs a colonoscopy, can't tell for certain if a colon polyp is precancerous or cancerous until it's removed and examined under a microscope.
If the colonoscopy finds one or two small polyps (5 mm in diameter or smaller), you are considered at relatively low risk. Most people will not have to return for a follow-up colonoscopy for at least five years, and possibly longer.
Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and inadequate exercise are risk factors for polyps, but many people with none of these risk factors have precancerous polyps in the colon. There are genetic risk factors for developing polyps as well.
Is a polypectomy a minor surgery? Yes. A polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. Most polypectomies don't even require cutting into your body to access the polyp.
The percentage of colon polyps that are cancerous or become cancerous depend on a variety of factors, including the type and size of the polyp and when it formed. It may take up to 10 years for some polyps to become cancerous. Screening tests, including a colonoscopy, can help detect colon polyps.
Bowel polyps do not usually cause any symptoms, so most people with polyps will not know they have them. They're often picked up during screening for bowel cancer. But some larger polyps can cause: a small amount of slime (mucus) or blood in your poo (rectal bleeding)
Pain. Persistent pain in the abdomen usually occurs with a large polyp as it begins to cause an obstruction in the colon.
If the cancer has not spread and is localized to the colon, then the 5-year survival rate is 91%. However, if the cancer has spread to the nearby tissues or lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 72%. The survival rate drops to 14% if the cancer spreads to distant parts of the body.
If a polyp has cancerous cells, they will also biopsy nearby lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread or metastasized to other areas of the body. In this case radiation, chemotherapy or other therapies may be recommended. Colonoscopy screenings can be life saving!
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include: A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
Common Symptoms of Colon Polyps
Changes in Bowel Movements – Sometimes colon polyps can lead to constipation or diarrhea that persists for longer than a week, as well as general changes in bowel habits.
Large polyps can obstruct the bowel and cause abdominal pain or cramping.
Colon polyps and diverticulitis have similar symptoms that include: Abdominal pain. Bloating. Constipation.