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Conditions

Colon polyps

Colon polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most are harmless, but some types can slowly turn into cancer over many years. Finding and removing them during a colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer.

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Who gets them

Polyps become common after age 45. Your risk is higher with:

  • A parent, sibling or child who had colon polyps or colon cancer
  • Smoking, excess weight or heavy alcohol use
  • A diet high in red or processed meat
  • Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
  • An inherited syndrome such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Symptoms

Most polyps cause no symptoms, which is why screening matters. Larger polyps can cause blood in the stool, iron-deficiency anemia or a change in bowel habits. Any of these deserves a visit to your doctor at any age. See GI bleeding and anemia.

Types of polyps

  • Adenomas (tubular, tubulovillous or villous): the most common precancerous type.
  • Sessile serrated lesions: flat and harder to see, and also precancerous. A thorough bowel prep matters most for finding these.
  • Hyperplastic polyps: usually low risk, especially small ones in the rectum and sigmoid colon.
  • Inflammatory polyps: seen with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; not precancerous on their own.

How polyps are found and removed

A colonoscopy finds and removes polyps in the same procedure, called a polypectomy. Small polyps are removed with tiny forceps or a wire snare while you're sedated, and you don't feel it. Large or flat polyps may need an advanced technique such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), sometimes at a separate visit. Every polyp goes to a pathologist, and results usually take one to two weeks.

When do I need my next colonoscopy?

It depends on how many polyps were found, their size and their type. Typical intervals from the US Multi-Society Task Force (2020):

  • No polyps, average risk: 10 years
  • 1 to 2 small (under 10 mm) adenomas: 7 to 10 years
  • 3 to 4 small adenomas: 3 to 5 years
  • 5 to 10 adenomas, or any adenoma 10 mm or larger: 3 years
  • Small hyperplastic polyps in the rectum or sigmoid colon: 10 years
  • A large polyp removed in pieces: about 6 months, to check the site

Your doctor may recommend a different interval based on your prep quality, family history and personal history.

Can I prevent polyps?

Not smoking, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, eating more fiber and limiting red meat and alcohol all lower your risk. The single most important step is to start screening at 45, or earlier if colon cancer or advanced polyps run in your family.

Common questions

Does a polyp mean I have cancer?

No. The great majority of polyps are benign. Removing the precancerous ones is what prevents cancer.

I've had polyps. Is a stool test enough next time?

No. After precancerous polyps, colonoscopy is the follow-up test. Stool tests are for screening people at average risk.

Should my family be screened earlier?

If a parent, sibling or child had colon cancer or an advanced polyp, screening often starts at 40, or 10 years before the age they were diagnosed, whichever comes first.

Questions about colon polyps? Call (813) 400-0543 or send a message.

Dr. Brian Frank, MD
Written and reviewed by Brian Frank, MD
Board-certified gastroenterologist (ABIM). Last reviewed October 8, 2026.

This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.