What size of colon polyp is concerning?

As a general rule, the larger the adenoma, the more likely it is to eventually become a cancer. As a result, large polyps (larger than 5 millimeters, approximately 3/8 inch) are usually removed completely to prevent cancer and for microscopic examination to guide follow-up testing.

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What size polyp is worrisome?

The size of a polyp typically does make a difference. The larger the polyp becomes, the bigger the risk of it developing into colon cancer. That risk increases significantly if the polyp is greater than 10 mm (1 cm); research has shown the larger a colon polyp becomes, the more rapidly it grows.

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Does the size of a polyp indicate cancer?

Polyps are irregular growths in your bowel. Doctors often classify polyps based on size and type to determine their risk of becoming colorectal cancer. Polyps classified as adenomas are considered precancerous and should be removed. Larger polyps have a higher chance of becoming cancer than small polyps.

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What size polyp is too large to remove during colonoscopy?

In general, a rectal or colon polyp is considered complex (also known as “defiant”) if it meets any of the following criteria: Size greater than 2 centimeters. Located in a difficult area or is too flat (sessile) to be removed during a standard colonoscopy.

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Can a doctor tell if polyp is cancerous during colonoscopy?

Most polyps are benign (not cancerous). Your doctor can tell if a colon polyp is cancerous during a colonoscopy by collecting tissue to biopsy. The results of the biopsy are typically sent to your doctor within a week. Only 5% to 10% of all polyps become cancerous.

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Mayo Clinic Minute: What you need to know about polyps in your colon

16 related questions found

How often should you have a colonoscopy if polyps are found?

In 1 to 7 years, depending on a variety of factors: The number, size and type of polyps removed; if you have a history of polyps in previous colonoscopy procedures; if you have certain genetic syndromes; or if you have a family history of colon cancer.

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How fast do polyps turn to cancer?

A polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer. With screening, doctors can find and remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

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What happens if a removed polyp is cancerous?

The doctor will then send any removed polyps to a pathologist for a biopsy to see if cancer is present. If the biopsy reveals that cancer is present, then cancer specialists will outline a treatment plan for the person. Common treatments for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

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Does location of colon polyps matter?

Depending on their size and location in the colon, serrated polyps may become cancerous. Small, serrated polyps in the lower colon, also known as hyperplastic polyps, are rarely malignant. Larger serrated polyps, which are typically flat (sessile), difficult to detect and located in the upper colon, are precancerous.

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Do colon polyps grow fast?

Colon polyps are clumps of cells that form in the lining of the colon. They grow slowly over time and typically do not cause symptoms, particularly when they are small.

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Are large polyps usually benign?

Most polyps are benign (not cancerous). “However, many polyps are precancerous [adenomas], which, if they remain in place for over 5 to 7 years, may progress towards a cancer,” says Yale Medicine's Harry Aslanian, MD, a Yale Medicine gastroenterologist.

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What are the chances of a large polyp being cancerous?

Approximately 1% of polyps with a diameter less than 1 centimeter (cm) are cancerous. More than one polyp or a polyp that is 1 cm or bigger places you at higher risk for colon cancer. Up to 50% of polyps greater than 2 cm (about the diameter of a nickel) are cancerous.

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How big is too big for a polyp?

Large polyps are 10 millimeters (mm) or larger in diameter (25 mm equals about 1 inch).

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What happens if a colon polyp is found to be cancerous?

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!

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Do all colon polyps eventually become cancerous?

Some types of polyps (called adenomas) have the potential to become cancerous, while others (hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps) have virtually no chance of becoming cancerous. The best course of action when a polyp is found depends upon the number, type, size, and location of the polyp.

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What is a good first meal after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, eat foods that are soft and easy to digest to ease side effects such as bloating or gas. This may include eggs, white toast, and applesauce for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, choices could include lean chicken without skin, mashed potatoes, and soft-cooked carrots.

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How long does it take for a cancerous colon polyp to spread?

How long does it take for a polyp to turn into cancer? The growth and mutation of colon polyps into cancer is a slow process, taking an estimated 10 years on average.

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How long do you stay in the hospital after polyp removal?

A polypectomy lasts about 30 to 60 minutes and is an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. They should be back to a normal routine as soon as the next day.

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Can colon cancer develop in 3 years?

Colon cancer, or cancer that begins in the lower part of the digestive tract, usually forms from a collection of benign (noncancerous) cells called an adenomatous polyp. Most of these polyps will not become malignant (cancerous), but some can slowly turn into cancer over the course of about 10-15 years.

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Can polyps turn into cancer in 3 years?

It takes approximately 10 years for a small polyp to develop into cancer.

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Can you get colon cancer 1 year after colonoscopy?

This means cancer and polyps can sometimes go undetected. So, despite having had a 'clear' colonoscopy, some patients go onto develop bowel cancer – referred to as post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) or 'undetected cancer'.

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Should I be worried if they found polyps in colonoscopy?

Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which may be fatal when found in its later stages. Anyone can develop colon polyps.

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How fast do colon polyps grow back?

Most polyps grow slowly and take from between 10 and 15 years to become cancerous.

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How fast do polyps grow back after colonoscopy?

Results: Mean number of initial polyps were 2.2 and advanced polyps were observed in 40% of the patients. The cumulative recurrence rate of colon polyp was 13.8% within 1 year, and 60% within 3 years, while that of advanced polyps was 2.5% and 31% within 1 and 3 years, respectively.

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