Colonic Polyp Quiz
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Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Stomach pain
Green diarrhea
Mucus in stool
Lower abdominal pain
Lower right abdominal pain
Bright red blood in stool
Watery diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Loss of appetite
Pain in lower left abdomen
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Colonic Polyp?
Colonic polyps are benign growths that appear on the inner lining of your large intestine. Some have a chance of becoming malignant or cancerous over time.
Typical Symptoms of Colonic Polyp
- History of abnormal colonoscopy, i.e. colon camera
- Blood in stool
- History of having blood in the stool on testing
- Black, shiny stool
- Abnormal stool color
- Bleeding from the anus
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Stomach or abdominal pain in a specific area
Diagnostic Questions for Colonic Polyp
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you ever had any issues with a colonoscopy?
- Have you noticed any blood in your stool?
- Have you ever tested positive for occult blood in your stool?
- Have you had black, shiny stools?
- Have you noticed any changes in your stool color?
Treatment of Colonic Polyp
Since it is hard to determine the exact nature of a polyp, polyps found during colonoscopy are removed and sent to the lab for a microscopic analysis. During a colonoscopy, a small tube is passed through your anus to inspect the large intestine or colon.
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Sep 6, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Colonic Polyp?
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- Black poop
- Stools looks like strawberry jam
- Green poop
- Stool looks like raspberry jelly
- Poop looks like strawberry jam
- Pale stools
- Poo looks like currant jelly
- Tarry stools
- Blood and mucus in stool
- Stool looks like jelly
- Clay like stool
- Black shiny stool
- Bloody diarrhea
- Red sticky poo
- Hard pebble like stool
See full list
Symptoms Related to Colonic Polyp
Diseases Related to Colonic Polyp
FAQs
Q.
Tubular Adenoma? Why Your Colon Grows Polyps & Medically Approved Steps
A.
A tubular adenoma is a common precancerous colon polyp that is usually benign and slow growing; removing it during colonoscopy and following the right surveillance schedule are key to preventing colorectal cancer. There are several factors to consider, including age, family history, polyp size and number, dysplasia, lifestyle risks, and symptoms that need urgent care. See below for medically approved steps on screening timing, diet and exercise, smoking and alcohol limits, and whether to discuss aspirin, which could impact your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Xu T, Li J, Xu H, et al. Lifestyle risk factors for colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer: an umbrella review. Front Oncol. 2022 Dec 15;12:1062010. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1062010. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36605051.
* Kanth P, Grimmett JJ, Burt RW. Molecular Pathogenesis of Colorectal Adenomas and Carcinomas. Curr Probl Cancer. 2017 Jan-Feb;41(1):2-13. doi: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2016.11.001. Epub 2016 Dec 15. PMID: 28024626.
* Rex DK. Histologic Classification and Molecular Features of Colorectal Polyps. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;48(2):291-306. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2019.02.007. Epub 2019 Apr 12. PMID: 31036224.
* Kahi CJ, Revere FL, Bressler B, et al. Guidelines for Colonoscopy Surveillance After Polypectomy: A Consensus Update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2022 Mar;162(3):921-942. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.050. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35026219.
* Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Garcia FA, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021 May 18;325(19):1965-1977. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.6238. PMID: 34008169.
Q.
Found a Polyp? Why Your Body Forms Them and Your Medical Next Steps
A.
Polyps are common growths on organ linings that often cause no symptoms; many are benign, but some, especially certain colon polyps, can slowly become cancer, influenced by genetics, age, chronic inflammation, hormones, and lifestyle. Medical next steps typically include colonoscopy or other targeted evaluation, removal and lab analysis, then follow-up screening based on polyp size, number, type, and your history, with urgent attention for heavy bleeding, black stools, severe pain, or postmenopausal bleeding. There are several factors to consider; see below for details on screening ages, prevention, red flag symptoms, and how pathology results change your surveillance plan.
References:
* Krieglstein, R., Schepers, S., & Bär, F. (2022). Pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapy of colorectal polyps. *Viszeralmedizin*, *38*(2), 108–118. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35686008/
* Crosara, S., Al-Busaidi, S. F., & Genta, R. M. (2023). Gastric Polyps: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. *Digestive Diseases and Sciences*, *68*(1), 1–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36284144/
* Rex, D. K., Boland, C. R., Dominitz, J. A., Giardiello, F. M., Johnson, D. A., Kaltenbach, T., Levin, T. R., Lieberman, D. A., Robertson, D. J., Shaukat, A., Syngal, S., & Wender, R. C. (2020). Colonoscopy Surveillance for Colorectal Cancer in Persons With Increased Risk: 2020 Guidelines From the American Cancer Society. *CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians*, *70*(5), 319–339. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32744747/
* Uen, Y. H., & Shyu, R. Y. (2023). Molecular Mechanisms of Colorectal Cancer and Prospects for Target Therapies. *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, *24*(16), 12792. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37628833/
* Lynch, H. T., Lynch, J. F., & Coronel, S. M. (2023). Genetic Predisposition to Colorectal Cancer. *Clinical Colorectal Cancer*, *22*(3), e135–e148. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37579979/
Q.
Found a Polyp? Why They Form & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Most polyps are not cancer, but some can become cancer over time; they are often asymptomatic, typically removed during colonoscopy, sent to pathology, and follow up is then tailored to what the lab finds. Your next steps depend on the polyp’s type, size, number, and your personal risk factors like age, family history, and inflammation, and screening plus lifestyle changes can lower future risk while urgent symptoms like heavy bleeding need prompt care. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below for key timelines, prevention tips, and red flags that could change your next steps.
References:
* Kumar A, Garg V, Verma S, et al. Colorectal Polyp Detection and Classification: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Jun 15;11(12):3452. doi: 10.3390/jcm11123452. PMID: 35760233; PMCID: PMC9226597.
* Zohora F, Rahman A, Shaila H, et al. Colorectal Polyps: A Comprehensive Review on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Cureus. 2024 Jan 10;16(1):e52003. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52003. PMID: 38337770; PMCID: PMC10852957.
* Dekker E, Coupé VHM, Regimbeau JM, et al. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance: An Update. Dig Dis. 2023;41(6):838-844. doi: 10.1159/000533504. Epub 2023 Oct 16. PMID: 37841103.
* Stigliano V, Al-Khouri A, D'Alessandro F, et al. Hereditary Colorectal Polyposis Syndromes: An Update for the Clinical Gastroenterologist. Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2021;16(4):327-340. doi: 10.2174/1574887116666210825121404. PMID: 34446522; PMCID: PMC9108169.
* Cammarota G, De Robertis R, Pecere S, et al. Gastric Polyps: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 22;12(17):5465. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175465. PMID: 37626991; PMCID: PMC10488059.
Q.
What should I do if a colon polyp is found to be cancerous?
A.
If a colon polyp is found to be cancerous, it is important to follow a structured approach for further evaluation and treatment. This typically involves additional diagnostic procedures, potential surgical intervention, and ongoing surveillance to manage the condition effectively.
References:
Shaukat A, Kaltenbach T, Dominitz JA, Robertson DJ, Anderson JC, Cruise M, Burke CA, Gupta S, Lieberman D, Syngal S, Rex DK. Endoscopic Recognition and Management Strategies for Malignant Colorectal Polyps: Recommendations of the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2020 Nov;159(5):1916-1934.e2. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.050. Epub 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33159840.
Meseeha M, Attia M. Colon Polyps. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Q.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
A.
Most people have little to no pain with a colonoscopy. Patients who have had colon surgery or women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of their uterus) are at higher risk of experiencing pain.
References:
Hull T, Church JM. Colonoscopy--how difficult, how painful? Surg Endosc. 1994 Jul;8(7):784-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00593441. PMID: 7974107.
Rahman N, Cuison FA, Shabir O, et alPWE-069-Factors Associated with Reported Pain During Colonoscopy: A Retrospective StudyGut 2013;62:A158-A159.
Shah SG, Brooker JC, Thapar C, Williams CB, Saunders BP. Patient pain during colonoscopy: an analysis using real-time magnetic endoscope imaging. Endoscopy. 2002 Jun;34(6):435-40. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-31995. PMID: 12048623.
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Horvat N, Agaram NP, Gollub MJ. Atypical Colonic Polyp. Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(1):31-33. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.047. Epub 2018 Sep 7. PMID: 30201349.
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(18)34946-1/fulltextBertolini R, Bode PK, Sawatzki M. Unusual Colonic Polyp in a Young Woman. Gastroenterology. 2021 Feb;160(3):e12-e13. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.06.052. Epub 2020 Jun 26. PMID: 32598887.
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)34856-3/fulltextShimayoshi A, Bessho H, Kawamoto Y, Yamamoto S, Sung J, Morita Y, Wakamatsu S, Horie M, Kai Y, Takeda R, Iwahashi K, Shibukawa N, Miyazaki M, Egawa S, Oshita M. Water-slider method reduced colonic polyp fragmentation compared with conventional suction retrieval: A prospective randomized controlled study. Dig Liver Dis. 2021 Jun;53(6):717-721. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.12.116. Epub 2021 Jan 18. PMID: 33478875.
https://www.dldjournalonline.com/article/S1590-8658(20)31197-X/fulltextBora K, Bhuyan MK, Kasugai K, Mallik S, Zhao Z. Computational learning of features for automated colonic polyp classification. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 23;11(1):4347. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83788-8. PMID: 33623086; PMCID: PMC7902635.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-83788-8de Almeida Thomaz V, Sierra-Franco CA, Raposo AB. Training data enhancements for improving colonic polyp detection using deep convolutional neural networks. Artif Intell Med. 2021 Jan;111:101988. doi: 10.1016/j.artmed.2020.101988. Epub 2020 Nov 21. PMID: 33461694.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0933365720312537?via%3DihubAmerican College of Gastroenterology
https://gi.org/topics/colon-polyps/