These polyps have the potential to become cancer if given enough time to grow. Most of these colon polyps are called adenomas. Serrated polyps may also become cancerous, depending on their size and location in the colon. In general, the larger a polyp, the greater the risk of cancer, especially with neoplastic polyps. Rarely, people inherit genetic mutations that cause colon polyps to form. If you have one of these genetic mutations, you are at a much higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Screening and early detection can help prevent the development or spread of these cancers. Some colon polyps may become cancerous. The earlier polyps are removed, the less likely it is that they will become cancerous. You can greatly reduce your risk of colon polyps and colorectal cancer by having regular screenings. Certain lifestyle changes also can help:.
Colon polyps care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon.
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For these people and others at high risk for colorectal cancer , more frequent screening is usually advised. Can a high-fiber diet prevent polyps?
While a diet high in fiber is beneficial on multiple levels and highly encouraged, the research to date has not been able to prove an association with reduced risk of polyps or colorectal cancer.
Is there any way to prevent polyps from forming? Another anti-inflammatory called celecoxib Celebrex also is used to reduce the risk of polyps and cancer in people with an inherited condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP. Studies are currently underway to determine whether or not people at average risk of colon cancer would benefit from these or other preventive medicines.
Until we learn more, there may not be much you can do to prevent the formation of polyps, but there is plenty you can do to prevent them from becoming cancerous. I may sound like a broken record, but it bears repeating: Regular colorectal cancer screenings give you the best possible chance of finding polyps and removing them before they ever have the chance to turn into cancer.
This important step, plus three others — getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco — could prevent as much as 90 percent of all colorectal cancer. Ask an expert: What you should know about polyps A Providence provider answers frequently asked questions about polyps. For more information Learn more about the four steps you can take to prevent colon cancer.
Both methods are painless. After the polyp or polyps have been removed, they're sent to specialists in a laboratory, who'll inform your consultant if:. If there's a cancerous change in the polyp, you may need further treatment depending on the degree and extent of change. The exact cause of bowel polyps is not known. It's thought they're caused by the body producing too many cells in the lining of the bowel.
Bowel polyps are usually found when your bowel is being looked at for another reason or during screening for bowel cancer. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy or CT colonography is needed to view the whole of the large bowel and remove the polyps.
Some people with a certain type of polyp may be at risk of it coming back in the future recurring. Depending on the results of your diagnosis your doctor may recommend you return for further testing in 1 to 5 years. Page last reviewed: 23 September Next review due: 23 September Bowel polyps.
Bowel polyps are very common, affecting around 1 in 4 people aged 50 or over. They're slightly more common in men.
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