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COLON
ADENOMATOUS
POLYPS
If your doctor has made a diagnosis
of one or more colon adenomatous
polyps, you probably have many
questions. This information sheet
will help you learn more about
polyps and your treatment options.
What is a colon adenomatous polyp?
Polyps are small growths that form in the glandular
structures lining the colon (large intestine). Most
polyps are benign, but one kind is the cause of greater
concern—the colon adenomatous polyp. Up to 10
percent of these polyps can become cancerous within a
10-year period if undetected or ignored. For individuals
with multiple polyps, the chance of at least one of these
polyps becoming cancerous is very high. However,
if malignant polyps are detected early, 90 percent of
patients survive at least five years.
Who is most likely to have colon adenomatous polyps?
Some individuals have a genetic tendency to develop
colon adenomatous
polyps. Conditions such as
familial adenomatous polyposis or Gardner’s syndrome
can cause hundreds of polyps to form in the colon or
rectum. Individuals age 50 or older have a higher risk
of developing colon adenomatous polyps. In addition to
genetic factors, polyps are associated with a diet high
in fat and beef and low in fiber. Another risk factor is a
lack of exercise resulting in weight gain.
What characterizes colon adenomatous polyps?
There are two types of polyps: flat ones that lie against
the intestinal wall and mushroom-shaped ones. The
flat polyps are more likely to become cancerous. Colon
adenomatous polyps grow slowly but will continue to
grow if not detected and removed. The larger the polyp
grows, the greater the chance it will contain cancerous
cells. As the polyp grows, symptoms become more likely
and can include rectal bleeding, fatigue, changes in
bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, anemia, or bowel
obstruction.frequency/urgency, decreased stream, or
impotence ) can be associated with prostate cancer.
YOUR
PATHOLOGIST:
THE DOCTOR’S
DOCTOR
What does the pathologist look for?
After a polyp is removed from the patient, the pathologist
measures the size of the polyp and determines
whether it contains cancerous cells. If it is cancerous,
the pathologist makes a diagnosis—most likely, colon
adenocarcinoma—and notes how close the cancer is to
the edge of the removed tissue and whether the tumor
has invaded blood or lymphatic vessels. These factors
help determine the likelihood of the cancer remaining
in or returning to the affected area.
What is a pathology report?
The pathologist prepares a detailed summary of the
findings, which is called a pathology report.
You should obtain a copy of your pathology report for
your personal health records and to share with other
physicians involved in your care. Understanding this
report will help you in making treatment decisions.
What kinds of treatments are available for colon
adenomatous polyps?
Benign polyps are removed through colonoscopy,
flexible sigmoidoscopy or open surgery. In most cases,
colonoscopy is preferred because the entire colon can
be viewed at the same time polyps are removed. With
flexible sigmoidoscopy, a primary care physician or
What is a pathologist?
A pathologist is a doctor who studies and diagnoses
disease. Anatomic pathologists focus on diseases
affecting tissues and organs, while clinical pathologists
analyze blood and fluids. You probably won’t meet
the pathologist involved in your case, but your doctor
will work closely with the pathologist to give you the
most accurate diagnosis possible and devise the most
appropriate course of treatment.
What does the pathologist look for?
If the results of a DRE and/or PSA are not within the
normal range, a biopsy will be performed in which
prostate tissue samples are taken for a pathologist
to examine under a microscope. The pathologist will
assign a Gleason grade to the tissues, ranging from 2
specialist can remove polyps but only view the lower
section of the colon and the rectum. If polyps are very
large or difficult to reach, open surgery is sometimes
necessary to remove them.
Cancerous polyps are treated with surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of
two or three of these treatments. Surgery to remove
the malignant polyps is generally recommended for 90
percent of colon cancer patients.
Your doctor can tell you more about colon adenomatous
polyps and explain all your treatment options.
What kinds of questions should I ask my doctors?
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any question you want.
Here are a few to consider:
• Please describe the type of condition I have and
what treatment options are available.
• What stage is the condition in?
• What treatment options do you recommend?
• Why do you believe these are the best treatments?
• What are the side effects?
• Is your medical team experienced in treating the
type of condition I have?
• Can you provide me with information about the
physicians and others on the medical team?
• Should I receive a second opinion?
• If I want a second opinion, will you provide me with
the names of physicians or institutions that you
recommend?
Microscopic image of the intestines: To better visualize
cells and cell components under a microscope, the
cells are stained with differentiating colors.
Important terms you should know:
colon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes
water from digested food. The remaining material,
solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to
the rectum and leaves the body through the anus. Also
known as large bowel and large intestine.
adenoma: a benign epithelial tumor in which the cells
form recognizable glandular structures or in which the
cells are derived from glandular epithelium.
ep·i·the·li·um: The thin tissue forming the outer layer
of a body’s surface and lining the alimentary canal and
other hollow structures.
polyp: an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a
mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a
narrow elongated stalk, it is said to be pedunculated.
If no stalk is present, it is said to be sessile. Polyps are
commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, sinus(es),
urinary bladder and uterus.
pathologist: A physician who examines tissues and
fluids to diagnose disease to assist in making treatment
decisions.
colonoscopy: a test that allows your doctor to look at the
inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon).
He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope
to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers,
colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or
bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be
collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken
out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test
to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the
colon or rectum (polyps).
The content in this brochure is to educate consumers on health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the content
should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This education information does not constitute the
practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care
provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. None of the educational information in this brochure represents or
warrants that any particular service or product is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It is advisable to seek the advice of a physician or other
qualified health care provider with any questions regarding personal health or medical conditions. If you have or suspect that you have a medical
problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and are experiencing a
medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone.
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