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Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are small growths that form on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. They are common, especially in adults over the age of 50, and often do not cause symptoms.

About Symptoms Types of Colon Polyps Treatment Find A Specialist

Most colon polyps are harmless (benign), but some types have the potential to develop into bowel cancer over time.

Because of this, detecting and removing polyps helps reduce the risk of bowel cancer. 

Polyps are typically found during a colonoscopy, which is a procedure used to examine the lining of the large bowel.

Once identified, polyps are removed and sent for testing to determine their type and whether any further treatment or follow up is needed. 

Common Symptoms of Colon Polyps

Most people with colon polyps do not experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, polyps can cause: 

  • Blood in the stool: may appear as red streaks or darker stools

  • A change in bowel habits: such as diarrhoea or constipation lasting more than a week 

  • Abdominal pain or cramping 

  • Iron deficiency anaemia: caused by slow, long-term bleeding

Because symptoms are often absent, regular screening is important, especially for individuals at higher risk of bowel cancer and those who have had polyps previously.

Types of Colon Polyps

Adenomas
Serrated Polyps
Hyperplastic and Inflammatory Polyps

Treatment of Colon Polyps

The goal of treatment is to remove polyps and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy

Most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. Larger or more complex polyps may require an additional procedure.  

The number and type of polyp removed helps work out your risk of bowel cancer and make a surveillance plan to ensure that you don’t develop bowel cancer in the future. Your specialist is likely to recommend a repeat colonoscopy in a few years.

Find A Specialist

View All Staff

  • Dr Richard Perry

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Ian Bradford

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Deborah Wright

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • A/Prof Craig Lynch

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr James Haddow

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Thomas Caspritz

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Thomas Herregods

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Kyle Hendry

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Reina Lim

    Hepatologist

  • Dr Kurt Sanford

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Alison Ross

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Nigel S. Rajaretnam

    Upper GI & Endocrine Surgeons