How polyps turn into cancer
Reviewed by Dr.Victor Chen
Our colon cells grow so rapidly that our body actually replaces the entire lining of our colon about once a week.
Sure, this means healthy intestines are constantly sloughing off older cells and repairing themselves. But, with so much growth, there’s the chance something can go wrong.
When this happens, the abnormal group of cells begins to form a polyp.
Not all polyps turn into cancer. In fact, many polyps don’t. Nearly all colorectal cancers start out as a polyp, however, and removing the masses during a colonoscopy can reduce one’s risk.
Is there a way to tell a non-cancerous polyp from a pre-cancerous one just by looking at it?
Not until it is biopsied or examined under a microscope.
The most common types of polyps are hyperplastic and adenomatous. Hyperplastic polyps are usually small and located in the end-portion of the colon. These polyps usually have no potential to become malignant and, more often than not, are not worrisome.
The majority of significant (or cancerous) colon polyps, though, are adenomas. These do have the potential to become cancer. The larger these polyps become, the more likely they are to turn cancerous.
Unfortunately, for the most part, it is not possible to tell the difference between these two during a colonoscopy by only looking at them. So, it’s best to remove them for pathology to determine their nature and guide any potential follow-up testing.
As physicians navigate their way through the colon, a tube-like structure with a flat surface and curved folds, they look for the “tell-tale” signs of a polyp. Some are flat, while others extend outward – but some polyps are subtle. As a result, it is important for you to have a colonoscopy by an experienced gastroenterologist. Often, the rate of polyp detection is determined by experience.
Because the lining of the colon doesn’t feel pain, removing these polyps is not painful. Any removed tissue will be sent to the in-house pathologist to test the samples for cancer.
How often will I need a colonoscopy?
Based on risk, pathology results, and family history, your gastroenterologist will recommend when you should have your next colonoscopy. Everybody is different. The time range can vary from three months to 10 years.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-442-0041.
Dr. Victor Chen believes in a straightforward approach to life and medicine. He developed an interest in gastroenterology after his grandfather died of esophageal cancer. After completing his medical training, Dr. Chen moved to Reno for the opportunity to introduce Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) to the region — and was the first physician in Nevada to perform the procedure.