These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Rectal Polyp
Question: I have a rectal polyp and have plans to have it removed in
the near future. What exactly is a polyp, how did it form, is there any danger in having it, and can it turn into a cancer if untreated?
Answer: Polyps usually take 2 to 3 years to form. It is initially a benign growth resembling a mushroom. After some time, cancer will form in the top or head of the polyp and grow back sown the stalk into the colon. This will usually take 5 to 6 years, although there is variability based on the aggressiveness of the cancer. These should be removed if found, especially if adenomatous type.
