Colon Polyps

Last Updated: June 1, 2003

What are colon polyps?
A polyp is extra tissue that grows inside your body. Colon polyps grow in the large intestine. The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of your digestive system. It’s a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract where your body makes and stores stool.

Are polyps dangerous?
Most polyps are not dangerous. Most are benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, some types of polyps can turn into cancer. Usually, polyps that are smaller than a pea aren’t harmful. But larger polyps could someday become cancer or may already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove all polyps and test them.

Who gets polyps?
Anyone can get polyps, but certain people are more likely than others. You may have a greater chance of getting polyps if:

- You’re over 50. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop polyps.
- You’ve had polyps before.
- Someone in your family has had polyps.
- Someone in your family has had cancer of the large intestine.

You also may be more likely to get polyps if you:
- Eat a lot of fatty foods
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Don’t exercise
- Weigh too much

How are polyps treated?
The doctor will remove the polyp. Sometimes, the doctor takes it out during sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Or the doctor may decide to operate through the abdomen. The polyp is then tested for cancer.

If you’ve had polyps, the doctor may want you to get tested regularly in the future.

How can I prevent polyps?
Doctors don't know of any one sure way to prevent polyps. But you might be able to lower your risk of getting them if you:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables and less fatty food
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid alcohol
- Exercise every day
- Lose weight if you’re overweight

Eating more calcium and folate can also lower your risk of getting polyps. Some foods that are rich in calcium are milk, cheese and broccoli. Some foods that are rich in folate are chickpeas, kidney beans and spinach. Also, doctors think that aspirin might help prevent polyps. More studies are under way.

Read what Dr. Sunil Kapur advises regarding colon screening and reducing the risk for cancer.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

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