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Colorectal Polyp

Lesions of the colonic mucosa that protrude into the lumen and require surveillance for cancer development.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Colorectal Polyp?

Colorectal polyps are lesions of the colonic and rectal mucosa that protrude into the lumen. Histologically they are classified as neoplastic (adenomatous, serrated) and non-neoplastic (hyperplastic, inflammatory, hamartomatous). They are seen in over 25% of adults aged 50 and older, and frequency increases with age.

Adenomatous polyps (tubular, villous, tubulovillous) and serrated lesions are the start of the 'adenoma-carcinoma sequence' in colorectal cancer development. Polyp size (>1 cm), villous component proportion and high-grade dysplasia increase the risk of cancer development.

The gold standard for diagnosis and treatment is colonoscopy. Detected polyps are removed by endoscopic polypectomy (snare, EMR or ESD) and sent for pathology. Patients are placed in surveillance intervals according to pathology, largely preventing colorectal cancer development.

Symptoms

Usually asymptomatic (detected at screening colonoscopy)
Bright red rectal bleeding
Iron-deficiency anemia from occult blood loss
Change in bowel habits (diarrhea/constipation)
Mucus in the stool
Rectal prolapse with large distal polyps
Abdominal pain and tenesmus (rare)

Risk Factors

Age over 50 (screening start age)
Family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
Inherited syndromes (FAP, HNPCC/Lynch syndrome)
Obesity, physical inactivity and Western diet
Smoking and alcohol use
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Inflammatory bowel disease (long-standing)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Screening colonoscopy after age 50 (age 40 or earlier with a family history)
  • Rectal bleeding or positive fecal occult blood
  • Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
  • Long-standing or new-onset constipation/diarrhea change
  • Family history of inherited syndromes such as FAP or Lynch syndrome

Treatment Methods

01
Endoscopic polypectomy: removal of small polyps with stalk or snare technique
02
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): for sessile lesions larger than 2 cm
03
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): for large and complex polyps
04
Surgical resection: for endoscopically unresectable or high-risk lesions
05
Planned colonoscopic surveillance program based on pathological staging
06
Lifestyle changes: high-fiber diet, weight control, smoking and alcohol cessation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.