Everything You Need to Know About Colon Polyps
- AGG
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
If you've had a colonoscopy and been told that polyps were found and removed, you're in very good company. Polyps are found in approximately 30–40% of colonoscopies — and their detection and removal is precisely why colonoscopy is so effective at preventing colon cancer.
Still, hearing the word 'polyp' can be alarming if you don't know what it means. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Colon Polyp?
A colon polyp is an abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most are small — a few millimeters in diameter — and the majority are found and removed during routine colonoscopy without any symptoms. Polyps typically cause no pain, no bleeding, and no warning signs. This is one of the key reasons regular screening matters: you won't know you have them without looking.
Are All Polyps the Same?
No — and this is important. Not all polyps carry the same cancer risk. The pathology of your removed polyp(s) matters enormously for determining your follow-up schedule.
Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): The most clinically significant type. Adenomas are the precursors to most colorectal cancers. They are further classified as tubular, villous, or tubulovillous — with villous adenomas carrying a higher cancer risk. Size matters too: adenomas larger than 1 cm have a higher risk of containing or developing into cancer.
Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs): Flat, difficult-to-detect polyps that were historically underappreciated but are now known to account for a significant proportion of colorectal cancers. They require experienced endoscopists with high adenoma detection rates to reliably find.
Hyperplastic polyps: Generally considered benign with low cancer risk, typically found in the rectum or sigmoid colon.
Inflammatory polyps: Associated with IBD; not precancerous themselves but occur in the context of chronic inflammation.
How Are Polyps Removed?
Polyp removal during colonoscopy is called polypectomy. Smaller polyps are removed with forceps or a cold snare technique. Larger polyps may require hot snare cauterization or, for very large flat lesions, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Most polypectomies are brief, painless procedures performed during the same colonoscopy — no second visit, no surgery, no hospitalization.
What Do My Polyp Results Mean?
Your gastroenterologist will review the pathology report from your removed polyp(s) and recommend a follow-up interval. General guidelines:
1–2 small tubular adenomas (< 1 cm): Follow-up colonoscopy in 7–10 years
3–4 adenomas, or 1–2 with villous features or high-grade dysplasia: Follow-up in 3 years
5+ adenomas, or any adenoma ≥ 1 cm: Follow-up in 1–3 years
Sessile serrated lesion ≥ 1 cm or with dysplasia: Follow-up in 1–3 years
Hyperplastic polyps only: Return to routine screening (7–10 years)
Can Polyps Come Back?
Yes — having had adenomas before increases your risk of developing new ones. This is why follow-up colonoscopy at the recommended interval is so important. Surveillance colonoscopy in patients with prior adenomas is not routine screening; it is cancer prevention for a higher-risk population.
📅 Due for a colonoscopy or follow-up? Book at any of our NJ locations — call (908) 851-2770 or schedule online.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
