Adenomatous polyps are a type of abnormal growth in the colon. While most colon polyps do not cause any problems, adenomatous polyps are thought to be the source of most colorectal cancer.
Adenomatous polyps usually grow very slowly. It may be years before they turn into cancer, if they ever do. They usually are discovered during a routine sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and are removed. Having adenomatous polyps in the colon means that you will need to be screened for colorectal cancer more often than a person who has no polyps.
Current as of:
May 12, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery