Hearing that you might have colorectal polyps can feel scary, especially if you don’t have any symptoms. Many people worry about cancer or wonder how something could be growing without them knowing.
Colorectal polyps are common, and most are not dangerous. Learning what they are, how they form, and why screening matters can help you take simple steps to protect your health.
A polyp is a small growth that forms on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which helps absorb water and move waste out of the body.
Polyps form when cells in the lining start to grow in an unusual way.
Colorectal polyps are common, especially as people get older, and most will never know they are there.
Polyps can look and behave differently. They can vary in:
Most polyps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but some types can become cancer over time.
Cancer risk depends on the type of polyp that has formed:
These are important to find because some can slowly turn into cancer over time. Not all adenomas become cancer, but many colorectal cancers begin this way.
These polyps can be harder to see during screening. They may carry a higher cancer risk, especially when they are large or found on the right side of the colon.
Hyperplastic polyps are usually small and most often found in the rectum or sigmoid colon. They are considered low risk because they rarely become cancerous.
Appearance alone can’t always predict cancer risk, so anytime a polyp is removed, it is sent to a lab for closer examination.
Most polyps cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
These symptoms don’t always mean you have polyps. But they should always be checked.
Doctors focus on polyps because colorectal cancer often begins this way. The change from a polyp to cancer is usually slow, often taking 10 years or longer. If polyps are found and removed in time, doctors often have time to prevent cancer entirely.
This is where colon screening can go beyond cancer detection. It becomes prevention.
Most adults should begin regular colorectal screening at age 45, even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. Screening helps find polyps early, before they have time to change.
Some people may need screening sooner or more often, especially if they:
Your provider can help you decide which screening schedule is right for you based on your personal risk factors.
Doctors find polyps by looking inside the colon. Some screening tests can show that something may be wrong, but only a colonoscopy lets doctors see and remove polyps at the same time.
Other screening tests, like stool-based tests or imaging:
A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal screening. It’s the only test that can find and remove polyps in a single procedure. During a colonoscopy:
In many cases, removing a polyp during a colonoscopy removes the risk from that growth. No additional treatment is needed beyond routine follow-up care.
After removal, the polyp is examined under a microscope to check the type and whether any abnormal cells are present. Based on the results, your doctor may recommend when your next colonoscopy should be scheduled.
Yes, polyps can come back. Removing them lowers cancer risk, but new polyps may still form over time. This is why follow-up screening is important. Regular exams help find new polyps early, before they cause problems.
Colorectal polyps often do not cause symptoms, but they should never be ignored. Finding and removing polyps early can greatly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
If you have risk factors or are due for screening, our team in San Antonio is here to help you understand your options.
Schedule an appointment today to talk with a provider about colorectal polyps and the next steps to protect your health.
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