What Are Colon Polyps? And What Happens If You Have Them?
Colon polyps might sound scary, but they’re actually pretty common. They’re small growths, like little bumps or clusters of cells, that grow on the inside lining of your colon, also known as your large intestine. Polyps are kind of like weeds in a garden—some are harmless, but others can be troublemakers. Although most polyps aren’t cause for concern, some can turn into colon cancer over time if they’re not removed, which is why colorectal screenings are so important. The sooner you find these small growths, the better your chances of preventing colon cancer.
Do Polyps Have Symptoms?
The tricky thing is that most colon polyps don’t cause any symptoms, so you don’t know you have them. That’s why regular screening is the best way to find them. If symptoms do show up, they might include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
How Are Colon Polyps Found?
Most polyps are discovered during a screening test for colon cancer. The most common test is a colonoscopy, where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your colon. Other screening methods such as stool tests only detect when cancer is present, and a colonoscopy would then be needed. It’s best to do a colonoscopy screening the first time to save you time and prevent colon cancer by removing colon polyps.
What Happens If You Have Colon Polyps?
If your doctor finds polyps, don’t panic. PIH Health Gastroenterology Specialist, Alexander Kim DO tells us, “Most can be removed when they’re found during a colonoscopy. Once removed, they’re sent to a lab to determine if they’re cancerous or not. Your doctor will let you know if you need follow-up screenings or additional treatments.”
What Causes Colon Polyps?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some common risk factors that make it more likely you will develop polyps:
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Unhealthy habits: Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, eating a lot of processed food, and not getting enough fiber can all increase your risk.
Can You Prevent Colon Polyps?
You can’t always prevent polyps, but you can lower your risk of getting them by:
Dr. Kim says, “Colon polyps are common, and most aren’t a big deal when found early. Once found, they are removed so they don’t cause future problems.” Getting routine colorectal screenings – a colonoscopy – is one of the best ways to protect yourself from having colon polyps that may develop into cancer.
Alexander Hyunsung Kim DO
Alexander Kim DO is fellowship trained in both gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy—a specialty that includes minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat GI conditions. Dr. Kim’s passion for helping others and making a positive impact in their lives led him to pursue a career in medicine. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility for contributing to society and serving the community through medical care,” he explains. “Medicine satisfies my intellectual curiosity, and I enjoy continually learning and growing.” Through a combination of specialized training, dedication to continuous learning, patient-centered care, experience, and passion for advancement, Dr. Kim has earned distinction in his specialty. During residency, he became chief resident, an experience that honed his leadership and mentoring skills. He previously served as director of a thriving and collaborative endoscopy practice, where he worked successfully to elevate standards of patient care across the organization through improvement initiatives and policy development. Dr. Kim is passionate about athletics and participates in long-distance running and basketball pick-up games. He and his family also enjoy experiencing diverse cultures through traveling and sampling world cuisines.
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