In general, a rectal or colon polyp is considered complex (also known as “defiant”) if it meets any of the following criteria: Size greater than 2 centimeters. Located in a difficult area or is too flat (sessile) to be removed during a standard colonoscopy.
Any polyp can be removed using this technique, but usually it is used for large or “giant” polyps that are more than 2 centimeters in size. These larger polyps typically occur on the right side of the colon or in the rectum. They account for about 5% of all colon polyps found during colonoscopies.
Large polyps are 10 millimeters (mm) or larger in diameter (25 mm equals about 1 inch).
Polyps that are too large or that can't be removed safely during screening are usually removed surgically. This is often done by inserting an instrument called a laparoscope into the abdomen to remove the cancerous part of the bowel. Total proctocolectomy.
However, some polyps found during screening colonoscopies cannot safely be removed during the procedure. These so-called complex polyps are considered difficult, because they are either too large, too flat, or located in an area that makes them unsuitable for conventional removal.
The most common types of polyps are hyperplastic and adenomatous. The former has no potential to become cancerous, but adenomatous polyps can turn into cancer if not removed, and in adults, you have an increased chance of developing more polyps.
A gastroenterologist, the specialist who usually performs a colonoscopy, can't tell for certain if a colon polyp is precancerous or cancerous until it's removed and examined under a microscope.
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer. Colon cancer can be fatal when found in its later stages.
Most polyps are benign (not cancerous). “However, many polyps are precancerous [adenomas], which, if they remain in place for over 5 to 7 years, may progress towards a cancer,” says Yale Medicine's Harry Aslanian, MD, a Yale Medicine gastroenterologist.
Polyps are common in American adults, and while many colon polyps are harmless, over time, some polyps could develop into colon cancer. While the majority of colon cancers start as polyps, only 5-10% of all polyps will become cancerous. The size of a polyp typically does make a difference.
Five Types of Polyps. The large majority of polyps will not become cancers. Certain types of polyps are more likely to turn into cancer. Removal of polyps during a colonoscopy reduces the risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
Approximately 1% of polyps with a diameter less than 1 centimeter (cm) are cancerous. More than one polyp or a polyp that is 1 cm or bigger places you at higher risk for colon cancer. Up to 50% of polyps greater than 2 cm (about the diameter of a nickel) are cancerous.
Usually, in the majority of cases, it takes around two to three weeks to recover from a colon polyp removal surgery completely.
Most polyps found during a colonoscopy can be removed safely and effectively during the procedure. In some cases, however, a colonoscopy can reveal that there are polyps too large to safely remove. These are complex polyps, which make up about 10-15% of all polyps, and usually require additional procedures to remove.
Polyps can range in size from the less-than-5-millimeter “diminutive” category to the over-30-millimeter “giants.”
Most polyps grow slowly and take from between 10 and 15 years to become cancerous. Due to this general time frame, most screenings are scheduled every 10 years which gives Colorectal Surgical Associates time to remove any polyps before they become cancerous.
Colon polyps are common in American adults. Anywhere between 15 and 40 percent of adults may have colon polyps. Colon polyps are more common in men and older adults.
a small amount of slime (mucus) or blood in your poo (rectal bleeding) diarrhoea or constipation. pain in your tummy (abdominal pain)
How long does it take for a polyp to turn into cancer? The growth and mutation of colon polyps into cancer is a slow process, taking an estimated 10 years on average.
If a polyp has cancerous cells, they will also biopsy nearby lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread or metastasized to other areas of the body. In this case radiation, chemotherapy or other therapies may be recommended. Colonoscopy screenings can be life saving!
If your doctor finds precancerous polyps, there is no need for any additional treatment as long as they remove the entire polyp. Removing the tissue stops the development of cancer.
Cancerous polyps may cause no symptoms at all. But if you do have symptoms, they depend on where the polyp is located: Colorectal polyps may cause belly pain, constipation, diarrhea or blood in your poop. Stomach polyps may cause nausea, belly pain, vomiting and bleeding.
Patients who undergo an endoscopic removal of a large polyp typically require a surveillance procedure in three to six months to confirm there is no remaining tissue, Prabhu says. Those who go in for surgery usually will remain in the hospital for about three days, but that can double if complications arise.
Possible complications, which are uncommon, include bleeding from the polypectomy site and perforation (a hole or tear) of the colon. Bleeding from the polypectomy site can be immediate or delayed for several days; persistent bleeding can almost always be stopped by treatment during a repeat colonoscopy.