Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps form when the genetic material within the cells lining the colon change and become abnormal. These genetic changes prevent the cells from maturing, leading to an accumulation of immature, genetically abnormal cells, which eventually result in the formation of polyps.

Signs & Symptoms:

• A majority of colon polyps do not cause symptoms, and are discovered during screening or surveillance colonoscopy
• However, signs of colon polyps may include blood in stool or iron deficiency anemia and its associated symptoms, such as weakness, light-headedness, or fainting

Treatment Options:

Most colon polyps can be removed through the endoscope. They are then examined, as it’s important to determine whether or not they contain cancer. The results of this examination are important, as they will determine the need for increased frequency of screening colonoscopy in the future, or additional measures if the polyps are cancerous.