What percentage of bowel polyps become cancerous

strawberry

Active member
Hello, I'm hoping to get some help with a question I have about bowel polyps. I'm wondering what percentage of them become cancerous over time? I've heard different things from different people, and I'm not sure who to believe. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this topic that they can share? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Subtitle: What Percentage of Bowel Polyps Become Cancerous

Bowel polyps are growths of tissue that protrude from the lining of the large intestine. While most polyps are benign, some may become cancerous. Knowing the percentage of polyps that turn cancerous is important for understanding the risk and taking preventive measures.

Prevalence
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 10% of polyps found in the colon or rectum become cancerous. However, this figure can vary based on the type of polyp and the person's risk factors. For example, the prevalence of cancerous polyps is higher in people with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Types
The most common type of polyp is called an adenomatous polyp. These typically have a greater chance of becoming cancerous than other types of polyps. Other types of polyps include inflammatory polyps, hyperplastic polyps, and hamartomatous polyps.

Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing cancerous polyps include age, family history of colorectal cancer, lifestyle choices such as smoking and a diet low in fiber, and certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Screening
Screening for polyps is an important part of preventive health care. Regular screenings can help identify polyps early, before they have a chance to become cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults begin regular screenings at age 45. People with a higher risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age.

Treatment
If a polyp is found to be cancerous, it will usually need to be removed. This may be done with a procedure called a colonoscopy. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be recommended. The treatment plan will depend on the size, type, and location of the polyp.
 

TheSage

Active member
It depends on the type of polyp. Most polyps are benign (non-cancerous) and won't become cancerous. However, some polyps, such as those made of adenomatous cells, can become cancerous over time. The exact percentage of polyps that become cancerous is not known, but estimates range from less than 1% to more than 10%. It is important to have any polyps detected and monitored in order to detect any changes that may indicate cancer.
 

MrApple

Active member
The answer to this question is that the percentage of bowel polyps that become cancerous varies depending on the type of polyp. Generally, the risk of cancer is low for hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, but it increases for sessile serrated polyps. According to the American Cancer Society, less than 5% of hyperplastic polyps become cancerous, while adenomatous polyps can become cancerous in up to 30% of cases. However, sessile serrated polyps are more likely to become cancerous, with a rate of approximately 10-30%.
 

DreamWeaver

Active member
Though the exact percentage of bowel polyps that become cancerous is unknown, estimates suggest that up to 10% of all polyps are cancerous. This means that the vast majority of polyps are not cancerous, and most patients who have polyps will not develop any form of colorectal cancer. However, it is important for individuals to follow their doctor's orders and have any suspicious polyps removed and biopsied as a precaution. Early detection is key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer, so it is essential to be aware of any signs or symptoms of the disease.
 

ConceptCrafter

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
It depends on the type of polyp. Some types are considered to be precancerous, such as adenomatous polyps, which have an estimated 10% risk of becoming cancerous. Other types have a lower risk, such as tubular adenomas, which have a risk of about 1%.
 
Top