Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are a type of growth that can develop in the large intestine as we age. A polyp is a mushroom-like growth in that it has a bulbous top with a narrower "stem". Growths of this type can occur in other places but are common on the inner lining of the colon (the muscosa).

While colon polyps are technically benign tumors, they are still important in colon cancer. They develop because injury to the cells in the colon have undergone mutations. While they have not yet had enough mutations to become fully malignant, the cells are nevertheless abnormal and start to grow in an abnormal way. These benign, but abnormal cells are referred to as a type of dysplasia, which basically means an "abnormal growth".

The reason that these polyps are important is that they are one of the important colon cancer risk factors. These abnormal cells already have many of the mutations that are required for colon cancer to develop. Therefore, if a person has polyps, they are that much closer to developing cancer. Therefore, people with a known history of polyps which have not been removed are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer in the future. It is felt that the large majority of colon cancers first develop from a polyp.

Because most polyps can be seen clearly in the colon, regular screening tests are often recommended as people get older. In particular, a colonoscopy allows the doctor to view inside the colon and detect any abnormal growths, including colon polyps.

If polyps are detected at the time of colonoscopy, they can be removed. When removed, the risk for colon cancer drops. Therefore, this screening test not only helps to detect abnormal masses, but can help treat them and reduce the risk for the future development of cancer. Of course, new polyps can arise at any time, but regular screening can hopefully detect these before they become a cancer as well.