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What is a colorectal polyp? A colorectal polyp is a growth that protrudes above the surface of the lining of the large colon or rectum.
Polyps are classified as either non-neoplastic (the kind that do not turn to cancer) or neoplastic (the kind that have the potential of turning to cancer).
Some neoplastic polyps can progress to cancer but usually this takes seven to ten years. However, in a minority of patients these can progress more rapidly.
Non-neoplastic polyps
o Hyperplastic
o Inflammatory
o Hamartoma
o Juvenile
o Peutz-Jeghers
o Mucosal
Neoplastic polyps
o Serrated adenoma - have the smallest risk of turning to cancer
o Tubular or adenomatous - have a very small but definite risk of turning to cancer
o Tubulo-villous adenoma - have a medium risk of turning to cancer
o Villous adenoma - have a high risk of turning to cancer
What factors increase the risk of polyp formation?
uDietary factors as high fat and low fiber
uPersonal history of colorectal cancer or neoplastic polyps
uHereditary factors:
First degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who have had colorectal cancer or neoplastic polyps diagnosed at or before age 60 or more than two first degree relatives with cancer or neoplastic polyps at any age
u Personal history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
uUlcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis involving the entire colon for more than 10 years
Can polyps be prevented?
Perhaps. The following recommendations may decrease
the formation of polyps.
uIncreased consumption of dietary fiber
uDecreased consumption of animal fat
uDecreased consumption of salted, pickled or smoked foods
uDaily calcium intake
uModeration in alcohol consumption
uVitamin intake such as beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E
uMedication for prevention of polyps (Studies being done at this time.)
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