Colorectal polyps

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Colorectal polyps

A colorectal polyp is a growth that projects (usually on a stalk) from the lining of the colon or rectum.

Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign and produce no symptoms, but they may cause painless rectal bleeding. There may be single or multiple polyps and they become more common as people age. Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, may develop into cancer. Another common type of polyp found in the colon is called a hyperplastic polyp, which is generally not at risk for developing into colon cancer.

Polyps greater than one centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under one centimeter. Risk factors include advancing age or a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

Polyps may also be associated with some hereditary disorders, including:

• Gardner's syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Juvenile polyposis
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)

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