Different types of colon polyps have different shapes and growth patterns. For example, tubular polyps have a growth pattern that resembles regularly arranged tubes. Villous polyps have a lobular growth pattern, while tubular villous polyps exhibit a combination of both growth patterns.

Determining the type of polyp helps your health care provider understand your risk of colon cancer and develop treatment and prevention plans to lower your risk.

This article describes the different types of colon polyps, including their relationship to cancer of the colon or rectum. We also discuss the symptoms and causes of colon polyps and current colon cancer screening recommendations in the United States.

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What is a colon polyp?

Colon polyps are tumors that form in the lining of the wall of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Polyps are common in people over the age of 50 and tend to grow slowly. Over time, some polyps can develop into colon cancer, so polyps are usually removed during a routine colonoscopy. The most common type is tubular adenoma, followed by benign hyperplastic polyp.

In most cases, colon polyps do not cause symptoms. Because of this, polyps may go undetected until they are discovered during a routine colonoscopy.

If a polyp causes symptoms, the following symptoms may occur:

Polyps found and removed during a colonoscopy can grow back. This is why it is important to continue getting tested regularly as directed by your health care provider.

Types of colon polyps

There are different types of colon polyps, each with unique characteristics and structure. These and other factors, such as the size and location of the polyp, can help determine your potential risk for cancer.

There are five main categories of colon polyps, as well as “mixed” types that have characteristics of two or more polyp types.

tubular adenoma

Tubular adenomas account for approximately two-thirds of all colon polyps. They are one of two types. adenomatous polyp It can occur in the lining of the colon.

Adenomatous polyps, also known as adenomas, originate from epithelial tissue, the thin layer that lines the body’s organs, cavities, and blood vessels. Tubular adenomas are so named because they tend to form in a regular, tubular shape.

Tubular adenomas are thought to have a low risk of developing into cancer.

What is a neoplasm?

Adenomas are neoplastic.term neoplasia Refers to the abnormal growth of cells that gradually lose their normal cell characteristics. When tumor cells form a mass, it is called a tumor. Neoplasm (tumor). Neoplasms can be benign (noncancerous), malignant (cancerous), or precancerous.

villous adenoma

villi Adenomas are another type of adenomatous polyp that are more likely to become cancerous. Although less common than tubular adenomas, approximately 30% of villous adenomas transform into colon or rectal cancer.

term villous Refers to finger-like projections (villi) on the surface of epithelial tissue. Unlike tubular adenomas, which occur regularly, villous adenomas occur haphazardly and often have a cauliflower-like appearance.

tubular adenoma

Some adenomas share characteristics of both tubular and villous adenomas, tubulovillous adenoma. They are more likely to become cancerous than tubular adenomas, but less likely than villous adenomas.

hyperplastic polyp

Hyperplastic polyps are a type of polyp that rarely become cancerous.term hyperplasia Briefly describe the abnormal increase in cell number that causes tissue hypertrophy. (For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a term used to describe an enlarged prostate.)

Hyperplastic adenomas tend to develop in areas of the gastrointestinal tract where the tissue has been previously damaged. Hyperplastic polyps are usually small and located in the lower end of the colon, such as the rectum or sigmoid colon.

Hyperplastic polyps are considered non-neoplastic.

inflammatory polyp

Inflammatory polyps are polyps that develop in tissue damaged by chronic intestinal inflammation. These are primarily seen in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Like hyperplastic polyps, inflammatory polyps are non-neoplastic and therefore have a very low chance of becoming cancerous.

Inflammatory polyps are sometimes called pseudopolyps (“pseudopolyps”) because they are not polyps themselves, but rather are inflammatory complications of IBD.

hamartomatous polyp

hamartomatous polyp This is a rare type of colon polyp that is commonly found in children. It may appear as a single polyp or multiple polyps.

Hamartomatous polyps are considered to be an inherited genetic disease. Although polyps are non-neoplastic, they are still associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, albeit in different ways.

It is thought that cancer may not arise from the polyp itself, but from genetic errors that cause stem cells to divide abnormally. (Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can change into specialized cells based on signaling molecules called growth factors that “tell” the cell what to become.)

This is evidenced by the fact that cancer rarely develops if there is only one hamartomatous polyp. This is different from an adenoma, where cancer develops from a single polyp. This suggests that multiple factors, including genetics, contribute to the development of cancer from hamartomatous polyps.

Shape and characteristics of colon polyps

When describing polyps, diagnostic professionals known as pathologists use a variety of terms to describe the characteristics of the growth. Some of these characteristics are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

Colon polyps can be described as follows.

  • pedunculated: This is a raised, mushroom-like growth that is attached to the lining of the colon by a long, thin stalk (stalk). Because pedunculated polyps are raised, they are easier to find and remove and are less likely to become cancerous.
  • Adhesion: This is a flat or dome-shaped tumor located on the inner wall of the colon. Sessile polyps are more likely to become cancerous because they are flat and easily overlooked.
  • Serrated: This is when the tissue of the polyp looks serrated under the microscope. Serrated adenomas significantly increase the risk of colon cancer.

There are both Sessile serrated polyp It is highly likely that it will turn into cancer itself. Traditional serrated polyp These are usually found further up in the colon and are often missed during a colonoscopy and become cancerous.

Causes and risk factors

Scientists don’t know exactly why some people develop colon polyps and others don’t. There is evidence that genetics play a role.This includes the so-called APC, TP53and class Genetic mutations often run in families.

Certain people are at increased risk of polyps due to non-modifiable (unchangeable) risk factors, such as:

  • Be over 50 years old
  • be black or Jewish of Eastern European descent;
  • Family or personal history of colon polyps
  • Have a family history of colon cancer
  • Personal history of uterine or ovarian cancer

There are also modifiable (changeable) risk factors that can contribute to the development of colon polyps.

  • obesity
  • eat high fat food
  • smoking
  • excessive alcohol intake
  • sedentary lifestyle

diagnosis

Colon polyps are usually found during a routine colonoscopy. Other tests may suggest the presence of polyps. For example, a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can test for small amounts of blood in the stool. A positive result may mean you have polyps that need to be removed with a colonoscopy.

How are colon polyps treated?

Colon polyps are usually removed during a colonoscopy. This is done using biopsy forceps or wire loops that use an electric current to burn away the tissue. Polyps are usually collected and sent to a laboratory to be tested for cancer.

If you have a polyp removed, you will need another colonoscopy sooner than if you did not have the polyp. How quickly it occurs depends on the size, number, and type of polyps.

How are colon polyps prevented?

Certain risk factors, such as age and family history of colon polyps, cannot be changed. However, there may be ways to reduce your chances of developing polyps. The most important of these is diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing your red meat intake may reduce your risk of developing polyps.

Other lifestyle choices can also influence the development of colon polyps, such as:

  • Get the recommended amount of physical exercise
  • lose weight
  • Quit smoking and reduce or avoid alcohol intake

Calcium, folic acid supplements, and a low daily dose of aspirin may also prevent polyps from developing in some people.

colon cancer screening

The best way to avoid colon cancer is to get regular colorectal cancer screenings (American Cancer Society’s latest guidelines) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. For adults at average risk for the disease, we recommend screening starting at age 45.

Screening must be repeated every 1 to 10 years, depending on the type of test used.

When will polyps be removed?

Polyps (regardless of type) that have a villous component or a diameter of more than 1 centimeter are considered to be at high risk of becoming cancerous and are usually removed.

People who are at increased risk because of a family history of colon cancer or other factors may be screened at an earlier age and tested more frequently.

How many polyps is normal on a colonoscopy?

If you have only one or two polyps and they are 5 mm or less in diameter, your risk of developing colon cancer is low. The larger the polyps and the more polyps you have, the more likely you are to develop colon cancer.

summary

Colon polyps are abnormal tissue growths in the lining of the colon (large intestine). Although many polyps are harmless, some can become cancerous.

Tubular adenomas and villous adenomas are two polyps that can develop into colon cancer, whereas inflammatory and hyperplastic polyps rarely develop into colon cancer. Hypermotile polyps found in children can also lead to cancer, although the cause is different.

To prevent polyps from turning into cancer, we recommend regular colon cancer screenings. This includes direct and indirect screening methods such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and stool-based tests.

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