From MayoClinic.com

Colon polyps are growths of tissue that protrude from the lining of the colon (large intestine) into the space inside the bowel. Advanced cancers of the colon and rectum are highly preventable. That's because most colon cancer begins as an adenomatous polyp - a small clump of cells that forms on your colon lining. The great majority of colon polyps are harmless (benign), some may turn cancerous (malignant) over time.

As many as 20 percent of middle-age and older adults may have one or more colon polyps. Although anyone can develop polyps, you're at higher risk if you are 50 or older, overweight, or a smoker, eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

Sometimes polyps can cause signs and symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits that lasts longer than a week and abdominal pain. But most small polyps don't cause problems, which is why regular screening is so important.

• Abdominal pain
• Colon cancer
• Diarrhea
• overweight

Some doctors recommend a test that checks the entire colon and rectum (colonoscopy) every five years starting at age 50. If you're at high risk of colon polyps or colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend starting screening sooner. Polyps that are found in the early stages usually can be removed safely and completely.

Signs and symptoms

Colon polyps range from smaller than a pea to golf ball sized. Small polyps, especially, aren't likely to cause signs and symptoms, and you may not know you have one until your doctor finds it during an examination of your bowel. Sometimes, however, you may have signs and symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding. You might notice bright red blood on toilet paper after you've had a bowel movement. Although this may be a sign of colon polyps, rectal bleeding can indicate other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus. Hemorrhoids don't usually bleed consistently over a period of weeks, however, so if your bleeding is prolonged, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Blood in your stool. Blood can make your stool appear black, or it may show up as red streaks. Certain foods can also affect the color of your bowel movements. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications — Pepto-Bismol is one example — can make stools black. Beets and red licorice can turn stools red.

• Constipation or diarrhea. Although a change in bowel habits that lasts longer than a week may indicate the presence of a large colon polyp, it can also result from a number of other conditions. Your doctor can help find the cause.

• Pain or obstruction. Sometimes a large colon polyp may partially obstruct your bowel, leading to crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and severe constipation.

• Diarrhea
• overweight

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