A colon polyp is a growth that forms in the inner lining of the colon. While most are harmless, some can develop into cancer over time, especially if they continue to grow. Early detection is key to preventing complications. Dr. Albert Chung, a board-certified colorectal surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for colon polyps in Santa Margarita, CA. Call (714) 988-8690 to schedule an appointment.
A colon polyp is a small growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most are harmless. Some can become cancerous over time. Because polyps usually develop without any warning signs, regular screening is the most reliable way to find and remove them before they turn into something serious.
The reason colon cancer screening is one of the most effective preventive measures in medicine is timing.
Most colon polyps cause no symptoms at all, which is exactly why screening matters. When they do produce signs, they may include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, changes in stool color, or mucus in the stool. Iron-deficiency anemia from chronic, unnoticed bleeding is another possible sign.
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions (hemorrhoids, IBS, infections, and others), they aren't reliable on their own. Screening remains the only way to detect the silent ones in time.
Polyps fall into two main groups based on whether they have potential to become cancerous over time.
Adenomas account for the majority of polyps detected on screening. Most are not cancerous when found, but their potential is exactly why removal and surveillance matter.
Most polyps are found during routine screening, not because of symptoms. A few different tests can detect them.
In most cases, polyps are removed during the same colonoscopy in which they're discovered. The tissue is sent to pathology to identify the type and check for any precancerous changes.
Based on what's found, Dr. Chung will recommend a follow-up screening interval. A small number of low-risk polyps usually means a longer interval before the next screening. Multiple polyps, larger polyps, or higher-risk pathology mean shorter follow-up intervals to make sure new polyps are caught early.
Several factors raise the likelihood of developing colon polyps.
You can't eliminate the risk of polyps entirely, but you can lower it meaningfully.
| Size | Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 mm | Diminutive | The majority of polyps. Very low chance of containing cancer. Removed with a snare or forceps. |
| 6 to 9 mm | Small | Low chance of advanced changes. Removed with a snare. Type on pathology determines follow-up. |
| 10 mm or larger | Large | Higher chance of advanced features. Removed with snare or endoscopic mucosal resection. Counts as an advanced adenoma for surveillance purposes. |
| 20 mm or larger | Large, complex | May need advanced endoscopic removal or, rarely, surgical resection if it cannot be removed safely through the scope. Dr. Chung offers both. |
Follow-up timing is set by what was found. These are the 2020 U.S. Multi-Society Task Force recommendations Dr. Chung follows, adjusted for your family history and the quality of the prep.
| Findings on colonoscopy | Next colonoscopy |
|---|---|
| No polyps, good prep | 10 years |
| 1 to 2 tubular adenomas under 10 mm | 7 to 10 years |
| 3 to 4 tubular adenomas under 10 mm | 3 to 5 years |
| 5 to 10 adenomas | 3 years |
| Any adenoma 10 mm or larger, or with villous or high-grade features | 3 years |
| 1 to 2 sessile serrated polyps under 10 mm | 5 to 10 years |
| Sessile serrated polyp 10 mm or larger, or with dysplasia | 3 years |
| More than 10 adenomas | 1 year, with genetic evaluation |
| Hyperplastic polyps under 10 mm in the rectum or sigmoid only | 10 years |
One advantage of having a colorectal surgeon perform your colonoscopy: if a polyp turns out to be too large or too flat to remove through the scope, or if pathology shows cancer, the same physician who found it plans the next step. There is no handoff and no second workup.
Dr. Chung sees patients at 30212 Tomas, Suite 365, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, off the 241 toll road in South Orange County. Patients come from Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Santa Ana, and across Orange County. Most new patients are seen within days, and a first visit usually includes the exam, a plain-language explanation, and a treatment plan the same day.
Not ready for an in-person visit? Dr. Chung also offers online video consultations. Read what patients say on the reviews page.
At 45 for people at average risk, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Earlier if a parent or sibling has had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps (typically at 40, or 10 years before their diagnosis, whichever is earlier), or if you have inflammatory bowel disease or a known genetic syndrome.
No. A polyp is a growth that is not cancer when found. Some types, chiefly adenomas and sessile serrated polyps, can slowly develop into cancer over years if left in place. Removing them ends that risk, which is why colonoscopy prevents cancer rather than only finding it.
No. The colon lining has no pain nerves, and you are sedated during the procedure. Afterward, mild bloating from the air used during colonoscopy is the only common complaint, and it passes within hours.
It depends on how deep the cancer goes and whether the polyp was removed completely with a clear margin. Many early cancers confined to the polyp are cured by the polypectomy alone with closer surveillance. Deeper invasion is treated with a colon resection, which Dr. Chung performs robotically. See the colon cancer surgery page.
You can lower the risk. Fiber, physical activity, a healthy weight, limiting red and processed meat and alcohol, and not smoking all reduce polyp formation. None of these replace screening, which is the only way to find and remove polyps that form anyway.
Stool tests such as FIT and Cologuard are reasonable screening options for average-risk people who will not have a colonoscopy, but they detect polyps less reliably, must be repeated every one to three years, and any positive result requires a colonoscopy anyway. Colonoscopy is the only test that both finds and removes polyps in one step.
Whether you're due for a routine screening or following up after a previous polyp, Dr. Chung can walk you through what's right for your situation.
Book a consultation Call (714) 988-8690Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve colorectal cancer outcomes. Call Dr. Albert Chung’s colorectal clinic in Orange County.
