Not all colon polyps are cancerous. However, some types of colon polyps, such as adenomatous polyps, have the potential to turn into cancer. It is estimated that about 10 – 14% of adenomatous polyps will turn into cancer if they are not removed.
The size of a polyp does make a difference. The larger the polyp becomes, the bigger the risk of it developing into colon cancer. That risk increases significantly if the polyp is greater than 10 mm (1 cm); research has shown the larger a colon polyp becomes, the more rapidly it grows.
“Most polyps do not typically cause symptoms, and they don’t go away on their own. Therefore, the only way to know if they are there is to test for them. This is why colonoscopy exams are essential for preventing cancer,” says Kevin Robillard, MD, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Gastroenterology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Recap
Polyp types, size, and number impact your risk of cancer. Some polyps do not develop into cancer, while others become malignant over time. The more polyps you have, and the bigger they are, the greater your risk.
It is important to have regular colon cancer screenings, as recommended, to identify and remove any polyps that could potentially turn into cancer. This can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer.