Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas

Because colorectal polyps can develop into cancer, they should be removed. In most cases, the polyps may be removed while a colonoscopy is being performed.

For patients with adenomatous polyps, new polyps can appear in the future. Follow-up colonoscopy is usually recommended 1 to 10 years later, depending on the:

• Patient's age and general health
• Number of polyps
• Size and characteristics of the polyps

Rarely, for polyps that are very likely to become cancerous, the health care provider may recommend a colectomy (removing part of the colon).

The outlook for patients with colorectal polyps is excellent if the polyps are removed. Polyps that are left behind can develop into cancer over time.

Polyps can cause bleeding, and over time, can develop into cancers.

Call your health care provider if you have

• Blood during a bowel movement
• Change in bowel habits

Images

Digestive system organs

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Colorectal polyps Symptoms

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Colorectal polyps Prevention

Review Date: 11/08/2010
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)