Colon Polyps - Infographic

A colon polyp is a fleshy growth on the inside of the colon, also called the large intestine. Colon polyps are extremely common; the incidence increases with age. About 50% of the people over the age of 60 are estimated to harbour at least one polyp. The importance of polyps is that they can grow large enough and turn cancerous. The incidence of colon cancer is high in developed countries. It is a leading cause of death. In general, the larger a polyp, the greater the likelihood of cancer. A polyp may either be sessile (attached to the colon directly without a stalk) or pedunculated (attached to the colon with a stalk). Polyps are classified as either non-neoplastic i.e benign or neoplastic i.e cancerous. Polyps may cause rectal bleeding or partial bowel obstruction (rare).