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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Although most colon polyps are harmless, some become cancerous over time.
Anyone can develop colon polyps. But you're at higher risk if you're 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.
Usually colon polyps don't cause symptoms. That's why experts recommend regular screening. Colon polyps that are found in the early stages usually can be removed safely and completely. Screening helps prevent colon cancer, a common disease that's often fatal when it's found in later stages.
- Ahnen DJ, et al. Approach to the patient with colonic polyps. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- Ahnen DJ, et al. Epidemiology and risk factors for colorectal cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- What I need to know about colon polyps. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez/. Accessed June 14, 2009.
- Torpy JM, et al. Colon polyps. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300:1480.
- Fletcher RH. Screening for colorectal cancer: Strategies in patients at average risk. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 14, 2009.
- Levin B, et al. Screening and surveillance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps, 2008: A joint guideline from the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. CA, A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2008;58:130.
- Colorectal cancer screening. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/colorectal-screening. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- How is colorectal cancer found? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=10. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- Seitz U, et al. Endoscopic removal of large colonic polyps. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- How is colorectal cancer treated? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_4X_How_Is_Colorectal_Cancer_Treated.asp?sitearea=. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- Can colorectal cancer be prevented? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 15, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. June 19, 2009.
- MYH-associated polyposis. Cancer Net, American Society of Clinical Oncology. http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/MYH-Associated+Polyposis. Accessed June 19, 2009.
