Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Neoplastic Disorders
Number of Conditions: 1
Colonic Polyps
Specialty: Gastrointestinal
Category: Large Intestine (Colon) Disorders
Sub-category: Neoplastic Disorders
Symptoms:
typically asymptomatic; may include rectal bleeding, mucus in stool, or changes in bowel habits if polyps are large.
Root Cause:
Abnormal growths of tissue in the colon lining; can be benign (hyperplastic) or precancerous (adenomatous or serrated).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy with biopsy, CT colonography, or sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment:
Removal during colonoscopy (polypectomy); regular surveillance based on pathology results.
Medications:
No direct medications; aspirin or NSAIDs may reduce polyp formation risk in high-risk individuals.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 15–20% of adults in developed countries; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history, high-fat diet, low-fiber diet, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with removal; however, adenomatous or serrated polyps carry a risk of progression to colorectal cancer if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential for bleeding, bowel obstruction, and colorectal cancer if polyps are not removed.