Finding out you have colon polyps can be unsettling, especially given the well-known connection between polyps and colorectal cancer. However, it’s important to understand that not all colon polyps become cancerous. At Piedmont Colorectal Associates, our esteemed group of doctors helps patients understand the risks, monitor their condition closely, and take preventive steps to protect their health through expert screenings and care.
What Are Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but some have the potential to become cancerous over time. Polyps vary in size, shape, and histologic type, and these differences play a key role in determining cancer risk.
Types of Colon Polyps and Their Risk
The likelihood that a polyp will turn into cancer depends heavily on its type:
- Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These are the most common precancerous polyps. Though only a small percentage actually develop into cancer, they are considered high-risk and are routinely removed.
- Serrated polyps: These can also become cancerous, especially if they are large or located in the upper colon.
- Hyperplastic polyps: Usually found in the lower colon and rectum, these are generally harmless and rarely progress to cancer.
Size also matters—polyps larger than 1 cm have a greater chance of becoming cancerous. The number of polyps and their cellular structure also influence risk.
How Long Does It Take for Polyps to Turn into Cancer?
The progression from a polyp to colorectal cancer is typically slow, often taking 10 years or more. This long window provides an excellent opportunity for detection and removal through screening — most commonly with colonoscopy.
Removing polyps during a colonoscopy dramatically lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. Since patients typically do not experience symptoms from polyps, routine screenings are essential to find and remove them early. At Piedmont Colorectal Associates, our skilled specialists perform advanced colonoscopies that allow for immediate polyp removal, often during the same visit.
Protect Your Health with Regular Screening
While not all colon polyps become cancer, the only way to know their type — and to stop potentially dangerous ones from progressing — is through expert screening and removal. Our team of four colorectal surgeons is Atlanta’s most trusted provider for colorectal care.
Piedmont Colorectal Associates is here to guide you through every step of your colorectal health journey. Contact us today at (404) 351-7900 or schedule your colonoscopy online and take control of your health with confidence.