Hyperplastic polyps in the colon are typically harmless, with a very low risk of causing cancer. However, doctors may choose to painlessly remove them during a colonoscopy.
Hyperplastic polyps are benign growths that form along the inner lining of the colon and rectum. They are
According to the
However, doctors may still choose to remove them, particularly if a person has a lot of hyperplastic polyps in the colon or if the polyps are large.
This article explains some types of hyperplastic polyps, what causes them to grow in the colon, whether there is any link to cancer, and how doctors may remove colonic polyps.
According to a
- Mucin-poor hyperplastic polyps: This serrated polyp contains small cells without mucus.
- Goblet cell-rich hyperplastic polyps: This serrated polyp contains goblet cells, which secrete mucus.
- Microvesicular serrated polyps: This serrated polyp has a mix of column-like cells and goblet cells.
The article suggests that each of these types of polyps may also have various mutations that can alter the polyp’s cellular appearance and cause doctors to consider them precancerous.
Learn more about colon polyps.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), researchers do not know the exact causes of polyps in the colon. However, it suggests polyps may arise when the body produces too many cells in the lining of the colon.
Some people may have a
- a high fat, low fiber diet
- smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- a family history of polyps, intestinal polyposis, or colorectal cancer
People’s risk of developing polyps may also increase as they age.
According to a 2023 review, colonic hyperplastic polyps are
A 2020 article suggests that some people with multiple serrated polyps in the colon may develop a condition called serrated polyposis syndrome. These polyps may be hyperplastic or other types.
Serrated polyposis is a risk factor for sporadic colorectal cancer. This is a cancer of the colon or rectum that arises without a family history of the condition.
The 2020 article claims serrated polyp syndrome is responsible for 25% of all sporadic colorectal cancer cases.
The NHS explains that certain types of bowel polyps, called adenomas, have a small risk of becoming cancerous. It states that doctors will always remove these polyps to reduce this risk.
In contrast, hyperplastic polyps in the colon are
If a doctor chooses to remove hyperplastic polyps, they may do so during a colonoscopy, which involves placing a flexible tube into a person’s colon.
The tube has a camera, light, and a small metal hoop attached. Doctors can use the wire hoop to burn or cut off the polyps.
In some cases, doctors may recommend surgically removing colonic hyperplastic polyps. Surgeons do this by removing the affected section of the colon, known as a segmental resection or colectomy. This may be necessary when polyps are very large or present in large numbers.
A healthcare professional will send the removed polyps to a pathologist for analysis and a definitive diagnosis.
Complications of colonic polyps may include bleeding, diarrhea, and bowel obstruction.
Hyperplastic polyps in the colon
Hyperplastic polyps do not typically require monitoring. However, some doctors may suggest follow-up surveillance if a person has multiple hyperplastic polyps or if they are large.
Colonic polyps do not often cause symptoms. However, large hyperplastic polyps could cause noticeable effects, which may include the following:
- mucus or blood in stool
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
Anyone with these symptoms should contact a doctor.
Colonic hyperplastic polyps are small lumps that form on the inner lining of the colon. They are
However, this risk of sporadic colorectal cancer may be higher in people with several serrated colonic hyperplastic polyps.
If a doctor chooses to remove hyperplastic polyps, they will typically do so during a colonoscopy, when they can painlessly remove the polyps with a cutting instrument or a small, heated wire hoop.