Colorectal polyps

Alternative names:

intestinal polyps

Definition:

A growth that projects, usually on a stalk, from the lining of the intestine or rectum.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Polyps of the colon and rectum are benign and usually produce no symptoms but may cause painless rectal bleeding. There may be single or multiple polyps and the incidence increases with age. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include a family history of polyps. The incidence is 9 out of 10,000 people.

Polyps may also be associated with some inheritable disorders including:

• Gardner syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndromes
• familial jeuvenile polyposis
• familial adenomatous polyposis coli