Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Colon polyps history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The majority of patients with colon polyps are asymptomatic. Patients with colon polyps may have a positive history of previous polyps. Family history of polyps might be positive. Colon polyps are incidentally found during screening for colon cancer. However, if the polyps are large, they might present with rectal bleeding and fatigue, change in bowel habits and stool color, and crampy abdominal pain.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
- The majority of patients with colon polyps are asymptomatic.[1][2][3]
History
Patients with colon polyps may have a positive history of:
- Previous history of polyps
- Family history
- Smoking history
Common Symptoms
The majority of patients have no symptoms. Colon polyps are incidentally found during screening for colon cancer.
Less Common Symptoms
If the polyps are large, they might present with:
- Rectal bleeding
- Change in stool color
- Change in bowel habits
- Crampy abdominal pain
- Fatigue due to occult bleeding
References
References
- ↑ Arnesen, R. B.; Ginnerup-Pedersen, B.; Poulsen, P. B.; von Benzon, E.; Adamsen, S.; Laurberg, S.; Hart-Hansen, O. (2016). “Cost-effectiveness of computed tomographic colonography: a prospective comparison with colonoscopy”. Acta Radiologica. 48 (3): 259–266. doi:10.1080/02841850601182139. ISSN 0284-1851.
- ↑ Johnson, David H.; Kisiel, John B.; Burger, Kelli N.; Mahoney, Douglas W.; Devens, Mary E.; Ahlquist, David A.; Sweetser, Seth (2017). “Multitarget stool DNA test: clinical performance and impact on yield and quality of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening”. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 85 (3): 657–665.e1. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2016.11.012. ISSN 0016-5107.
- ↑ Shussman, N.; Wexner, S. D. (2014). “Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes”. Gastroenterology Report. 2 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1093/gastro/got041. ISSN 2052-0034.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]