Key takeaways

  • A colon polyp is a small growth of tissue that projects from the lining of a section of the large intestine known as the colon.
  • Polyps are common and increasingly so as people age. Certain lifestyle factors, including a high fat, low fiber diet, smoking, and obesity, may increase a person’s risk of developing colon polyps.
  • Colon polyps do not always cause symptoms, so a doctor may find them during unrelated health tests. Treatment may involve removing the polyps and having ongoing screenings to check for new growths.

Most colon or bowel polyps are harmless, but some can develop into cancer. If they do, it can take many years for them to turn cancerous.

This article takes a close look at colon polyps, including their causes, treatments, and prevention.

Most polyps are benign, but some can become cancerous over time. Below are some types of colon polyps:

  • Hyperplastic polyps: Hyperplastic polyps on the left side of the colon are usually harmless and not a cause for concern. Those on the right side can have sessile serrated components which might increase their risk of cancer.
  • Inflammatory polyps: Inflammatory polyps are typically associated with inflammatory health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Adenomas: Adenomas, or adenomatous polyps, are not cancerous, but they may become cancerous in the future. Larger adenomas are more likely to become cancerous. Doctors usually recommend removing adenomas.
  • Sessile serrated polyps: These polyps have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. Doctors may treat them the same way as adenomatous polyps.

People with colon polyps often have no signs or symptoms of the condition. Doctors usually find these polyps during routine tests or tests for another disorder.

A doctor may recommend that older adults and people with risk factors for colon polyps have regular screening. When they detect polyps early, there is a better chance of completely removing the growths without complications.

When colon polyps do cause symptoms, people may notice the following:

If polyps are large and block the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, people may experience more severe symptoms, such as:

People are either born with colon polyps or develop them during their lifetimes.

In some people, genetic factors cause the cells of the colon to multiply more than they should. When this happens in the colon, people get colon polyps. When it occurs in the rectum, people get colorectal polyps.

People may be more likely to develop colon polyps if they have the inherited conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Doctors do not always know the exact causes of colon polyps, but the following lifestyle factors may increase a person’s risk:

  • a high fat diet
  • drinking alcohol
  • eating foods that include nitrates
  • not eating enough fiber
  • eating lots of red meat
  • smoking cigarettes
  • obesity

Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may also increase the risk of developing inflammatory polyps.

A doctor may begin by taking a person’s medical history, assessing risk factors, and performing a physical exam. If they suspect colon polyps, they may recommend further tests. Catching colon polyps early can reduce the risk of complications.

Screening exams may include:

  • Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts an illuminated camera tube called a colonoscope into the anus to examine the colon. They may then remove any polyps or take a biopsy, which is a tissue sample they send to a lab for examination under a microscope.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A shorter version of a colonoscope called a sigmoidoscope allows doctors to examine a limited portion of the colon. If they find polyps, they will need to perform a colonoscopy to remove them.
  • Virtual colonoscopy: This noninvasive procedure uses imaging methods, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, to examine the colon. These tests may be less sensitive than colonoscopic tests. A person may have to swallow a barium solution to make the X-ray images clearer.
  • Stool exam: Doctors may look for blood in a person’s stool or examine the stool DNA. Depending on the results, they may then perform a colonoscopy to investigate further.
  • Blood tests: Doctors may order a complete blood count to look for signs of anemia due to chronic bleeding, which could be due to polyps.

Can screening help with the diagnosis of colon polyps?

Since many people do not experience symptoms of colorectal polyps, doctors may only know a person has them during screenings or tests for unrelated health issues.

A 2025 review suggests that regular colonoscopies can help prevent colon cancer, particularly in people with colon polyps. The frequency of recommended surveillance may depend on the size, number, and type of polyps someone has.

Anyone with concerns about their risk of polyps can speak with a healthcare professional to learn whether regular screening may be suitable for them.

Doctors will usually treat colon polyps by removing them. They may also suggest certain lifestyle changes to reduce a person’s risk of future polyps.

Doctors can remove colon polyps using the following methods:

  • Colonoscopy: Doctors can use a cutting instrument or an electrified wire loop on the end of a colonoscope to remove polyps.
  • Laparoscopy: During a laparoscopy, the doctor will make a small incision in the abdomen or pelvis and insert a laparoscope into the bowel. They use this technique to remove polyps that are too large or which they cannot remove safely by colonoscopy.
  • Removing the colon and rectum: This procedure, known as a total proctocolectomy, is only necessary when a person has a severe condition or cancer. Doctors may recommend this option for those with rare inherited conditions, such as FAP.

If a person has flat polyps, doctors may inject a liquid underneath the polyp to raise and isolate it from the surrounding area for easier removal. They can remove smaller polyps with forceps through a colonoscopy scope

After removing a polyp, the doctor will send it for lab testing where experts will check it for cancer.

A pathologist, who is a specialist in analyzing tissue samples, will examine the polyp tissue under a microscope and check whether it is benign or precancerous. They will base the recommended time interval for the next colonoscopy on this information, plus the number and size of polyps.

For people with a family history of colon polyps, genetic counseling may be necessary.

People may be able to reduce their risk of developing colon polyps by adopting the following lifestyle habits:

  • eating a low fat diet
  • eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
  • maintaining or achieving a moderate body weight
  • quitting or avoiding cigarette smoking
  • avoiding excessive alcohol use

People who have had colon polyps should get regular colon checkups, as they have a higher likelihood of developing others.

A polyp is a growth of tissue on the lining of the colon and rectum that projects into the intestines.

People with colon polyps usually have no symptoms. Most colon polyps are harmless, though some types can become cancerous. Polyp removal is the best way to treat colon polyps and prevent cancer from developing.

People with risk factors may benefit from regular screenings for colon polyps. If a person has polyps, they should follow their doctor’s advice about getting checkups and making lifestyle changes to help manage the condition.