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Colorectal polyps - Symptom

Alternative Names

Intestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomas

Symptoms:

There are usually no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may occur:

Abdominal pain (rare)
Blood in the stools
Fatigue caused by losing blood over time

Signs and tests:

A rectal examination may reveal a polyp if it is low enough in the bowel for the health care provider to feel. However, the physical exam is usually normal.

Most of the time, polyps are found when the following tests are done to screen for polyps and cancer:

Colonoscopy

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 11/8/2010
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lieberman DA. Clinical practice: screening for colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(12):1179-1187.

Burt RW, Barthel JS, Dunn KB, et al. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology. Colorectal cancer screening. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2010;8:8-61.

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