Types of Colon Polyps
There are three types of colon polyps:
- Adenomatous (benign)
- Serrated
- Inflammatory
Approximately two-thirds of all colon polyps are adenomatous. Although only a small percentage of these are malignant, almost all malignant polyps are of this type. Small serrated polyps in the lower colon, known as hyperplastic polyps, are rarely malignant, but serrated polyps in the upper colon are more likely to be precancerous or cancerous. Inflammatory polyps are typically the result of a flareup of inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of Colon Polyps
Small polyps do not usually cause symptoms, but larger ones
may cause some of the following:
- Rectal Bleeding
- Bloody or discolored bowel movements
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Narrow stools
- Pain, nausea or vomiting
- Anemia
While such symptoms often have other causes, changes in bowel habits that last for over a week and stools that are streaked with red or black should always be reported. Patients may have rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids, suffer nausea from other benign intestinal conditions, or be anemic because of a nutritional deficiency — but colon polyps should always be ruled out as the cause.
Risk Factors for Developing Colon Polyps
Certain factors increase the risk of developing colon polyps.
These factors include:
- Age 50 or older
- African-American
- A family history of polyps or colon cancer
- Uterine or ovarian cancer before the age of 50
- Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use
- A family history of polyps or colon cancer
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Regular colon screenings are recommended for everyone 50 years of age or older. Those with a family history of colon cancer are usually instructed to begin screenings earlier and to have them more frequently than the general population.
