What is a colon polyp?
Anyone can develop colon polyps, a small clump of cells that forms on the colon lining. Colon polyps can be raised or flat. Many middle-aged and older adults have one or more colon polyps, though you’re at a higher risk if you are 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet, or have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer. It’s important to remember that the great majority of colon polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous over time. Screening is especially important because most polyps don’t cause symptoms. In most cases, the doctor removes colon polyps during flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, then tests them for cancer.
