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Colonic Polyps
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Digestive System

Colonic Polyps

Colonic polyps are extra pieces of tissue that grow inside the large intestine, which doctors remove and test to ensure they are not cancerous.

Overview

A polyp is an extra piece of tissue that grows inside your body. Colonic polyps grow in the large intestine, or colon. Most polyps are not dangerous; however, some polyps may turn into cancer or already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove polyps and test them. Polyps can be removed when a doctor examines the inside of the large intestine during a colonoscopy.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get polyps, but you may have a greater chance of getting them if you:

  • Are over age 50
  • Have had polyps before
  • Have a family member with polyps
  • Have a family history of colon cancer

Symptoms

Most colon polyps do not cause symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include:

  • Blood on your underwear or on toilet paper after a bowel movement
  • Blood in your stool
  • Constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a week

Frequently Asked Questions

Most polyps that transform into cancer do so very slowly, typically taking between 5 to 15 years to undergo the genetic mutations necessary to become malignant. This slow progression is why screening colonoscopies every 5 to 10 years are highly effective at finding and removing polyps before they have the chance to develop into invasive cancer.
polyp that is completely excised during a colonoscopy does not grow back. However, the underlying factors that caused the polyp to form remain present, meaning new polyps can develop in other areas of the colon lining. This is why regular surveillance colonoscopies are essential even after a successful polyp removal.
Hyperplastic polyps are typically small, non-neoplastic growths that carry very little or no potential to become cancerous, particularly when found in the lower colon or rectum. Adenomatous polyps (adenomas), on the other hand, are true precancerous growths with the potential to turn into colorectal cancer over time if left untreated.
The timing of your next colonoscopy depends on the number, size, and microscopic type (histology) of the polyps removed. If one or two small, low-risk tubular adenomas are removed, a repeat colonoscopy is usually recommended in 5 to 7 years. If polyps are large (10 millimeters or greater), numerous, or show high-grade dysplasia, a follow-up colonoscopy is typically advised in 3 years or sooner.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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