Polyps in the colon and rectum (together calledcolorectal polyps) are common in people over age 50.
They are usually noncancerous, but certain characteristics can increase the likelihood of a polyp becoming cancerous.
The risk of a polyp becoming cancerous increases with size.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Colorectal polyps are also classified by other important characteristics.
Having a colorectal polyp doesn’t necessarily mean cancer will develop.
Cancer develops when mutations occur in quickly dividing cells.
These errors, accumulating over time, can lead to cancer.
Multiple polyps also create more opportunities for errors to occur.
The risk that a polyp will become cancerous can continue to rise with the size of the polyp.
Other considerations can influence these risks.
Smaller polyps are still routinely removed during colonoscopies.
Implications of Multiple Colon Polyps
The number of colorectal polyps has several implications.
Certain conditions, calledpolyposissyndromes, are associated with multiple polyps.
These include:
The characteristics, causes, and risks of cancer development vary by condition.
Colorectal polyps are usually removed during the colonoscopy unless they can not safely be taken out at that time.
The polyp is then sent to a lab to beexamined by a pathologist.
It isn’t possible to know if a polyp will become cancerous, so polyps are usually removed.
Early detection and removal of colorectal polyps can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Most polyps are removed during the colonoscopy.
They are then examined by a pathologist.
Some harder-to-remove polyps may require more specialized procedures.
Listen to your healthcare provider and follow their directions for follow-ups and further testing.
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