What percentage of people have colon polyps

Q: What percentage of colonoscopy patients have polyps?

Heres what we know: As often as 40% of the time, a precancerous polyp — frequently a type called an adenoma — is found during a screening colonoscopy. Colon cancer is found during only in about 40 out of 10,000 screening colonoscopies, Dr. Sand said.

Q: Is it common to find polyps in colon?

Anyone can develop colon polyps. Youre at higher risk if youre 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

Colorectal polyps are commonly found during standard screening exams of the colon (large intestine) and rectum (the bottom section of your colon). They affect about 20% to 30% of American adults. Polyps are abnormal growths that start in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps are flat while others have a stalk.

Table of Contents Show

PROGNOSIS AFTER TREATMENT
WHAT IS A COLON AND RECTAL SURGEON?
What percentage of colonoscopy patients have polyps?
Is it common to find polyps in colon?
Do most people over 50 have colon polyps?
How common are polyps by age?

Colorectal polyps can grow in any part of the colon. Most often, they grow in the left side of the colon and in the rectum. While the majority of polyps will not become cancer, certain types may be precancerous. Having polyps removed reduces a person’s future risk for colorectal cancer.

SYMPTOMS

Most colorectal polyps do not cause any symptoms unless they are large. That is why screening for polyps and cancer is so important. While uncommon, polyps can cause these symptoms:

Blood in the stool
Excess mucus
A change in bowel habits (such as frequency)
Abdominal pain

DIAGNOSIS

The most common test used to detect colorectal polyps is a colonoscopy. During this outpatient test, your colon and rectal surgeon will examine your colon using a long, thin flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end. If polyps are found, they are removed at the same time.

CT colonography (called virtual colonoscopy) may be used to examine the colon indirectly. However, If polyps or a tumor are found during this test, follow-up colonoscopy may be needed to remove or biopsy them. Other tests used to detect polyps include a digital rectal exam, fecal occult blood testing (this tests for microscopic or invisible blood in the stool), barium enema, and sigmoidoscopy, which uses a flexible tube to inspect the sigmoid colon.

TREATMENT

Removal of colorectal polyps is advised because there is no test to determine if one will turn into cancer. Nearly all polyps can be removed or eliminated during a colonoscopy. Large polyps may require more than one treatment. Rarely, some patients may require surgery for complete removal.

PROGNOSIS AFTER TREATMENT

Once a colorectal polyp is completely removed, it rarely comes back. However, at least 30% of patients will develop new polyps after removal. For this reason, your physician will advise follow-up testing to look for new polyps. This is usually done 3 to 5 years after polyp removal. Taking a daily aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of new polyps forming. If you had polyps removed, ask your physician if you should take this medication to help prevent them from coming back.

WHAT IS A COLON AND RECTAL SURGEON?

Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. They have completed advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases as well as full general surgical training. Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete residencies in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery, and pass intensive examinations conducted by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They are well-versed in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum and anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat conditions if indicated to do so.

DISCLAIMER

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. These brochures are inclusive but not prescriptive. Their purpose is to provide information on diseases and processes, rather than dictate a specific form of treatment. They are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed. It should be recognized that these brochures should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed to obtain the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient.

This Special Health Report is designed to guide you through the next stage of your cancer journey. It will walk you through many of the issues you’ll face in the upcoming months and years—the long-term and late effects of your cancer and treatment; the potential for a recurrence or new cancer; the emotional, occupational, and financial issues you’ll potentially face; and the implications for your family and friends. You’ll learn how to readjust to the life you may have put on hold during your treatment, transitioning back to your full work and home life. And you’ll learn ways to maintain your health to prevent new problems, including cancer, from taking hold again.

What percentage of colonoscopy patients have polyps?

Here's what we know: As often as 40% of the time, a precancerous polyp — frequently a type called an adenoma — is found during a screening colonoscopy. Colon cancer is found during only in about 40 out of 10,000 screening colonoscopies, Dr. Sand said.

Is it common to find polyps in colon?

Anyone can develop colon polyps. You're at higher risk if you're 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

Do most people over 50 have colon polyps?

Colon and rectal polyps occur in about 25 percent of men and women ages 50 and older. Not all polyps will turn into cancer, and it may take many years for a polyp to become cancerous. Anyone can develop colon and rectal polyps, but people with the following risk factors are more likely to do so: Age 50 years and older.

How common are polyps by age?

Aging — Polyps and colorectal cancers are uncommon before age 40. Ninety percent of cases occur after age 50, with males somewhat more likely to develop polyps than females; therefore, colon cancer screening is usually recommended starting at age 50 for both sexes.