Alternate Names : Intestinal polyps, Polyps – colorectal, Adenomatous polyps, Hyperplastic polyps, Villous adenomas
Definition
A colorectal polyp is a growth that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign. There may be single or many polyps, and they become more common as people age.
Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, may develop into colon cancer. Another common type of polyp found in the colon is called a hyperplastic polyp, which usually does not develop into colon cancer.
Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps
- A type of polyp called villous adenoma
Polyps may also be associated with some inherited disorders, including:
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Gardner syndrome
- Juvenile polyposis
- Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Pictures & Images
Colonoscopy
There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood); sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon; colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon); and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.
Digestive system
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system organs
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
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Colorectal polyps : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Colorectal polyps : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Colorectal polyps : Treatment
Review Date : 11/5/2009
Reviewed By : David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.
