Colon Polyp Size Chart report
As we all know, colonoscopy is the best way to find and deal with precancerous lesions of the colon. The detection rate of adenoma is the most important indicator of colonoscopy, and the complete resection of polyps is crucial to stop polyps from becoming cancerous.
90% of the polyps found during colonoscopy are 1-5 mm in size. Although this colon polyp size has a very low probability of causing cancer, complete resection is the key to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. A study found that the complete resection rate of CFP for polyps of 1-6mm in size is 39-89%. The characteristics of colon polyps, size, and location, will lead to different complete resection rates.
While most colon cancers start as polyps, only 5-10% of all polyps will become cancerous. The size of a polyp typically does make a difference. The larger the polyp becomes, the bigger the risk of it developing into colon cancer.
Colon Polyp Introduction
Colon polyps are irregularly raised surfaces or bump on the colon's inner surface. Colon polyps mainly occur in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Polyps are common in adults, and while many colon polyps are harmless, some polyps could develop into colon cancer over time. The older the age, the higher the incidence. The canceration rate of colon polyps is related to the polyps' type, size, and epithelial dysplasia.
While most colon cancers start as polyps, only 5-10% of all polyps will become cancerous. That risk increases significantly if the polyp is greater than 10 mm (1 cm); research has shown the larger a colon polyp becomes, the more rapidly it grows. Most polyps do not typically cause symptoms, and they don't go away independently. Therefore, the only way to know if they exist is to test for them, so colonoscopy exams are essential for preventing cancer. The larger the polyp is, the harder it is to remove it.
Colon Polyp Type and Cancer Risk
There are several types of polyps, two of which are considered very low risk: hyperplastic polyps and pseudopolyps. But adenomatous polyps are higher-risk growths.
- Hyperplastic polyps are fast-growing but unlikely to become cancerous.
- Inflammatory pseudopolyps are a symptom of inflammatory bowel conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, and are benign.
- Adenomatous polyps have a relatively high carcinogenesis rate. The larger the size, the higher the cancer risk. About two-thirds of the polyps found during colonoscopies are adenomas. This type of polyp can take years to grow into cancer but should still be removed.
- A rare subtype of adenomas, called villous adenomas, is most likely to become cancerous.
| Polyp Type | Colon Cancer Risk |
|---|---|
| Hyperplastic polyps | Unlikley |
| Inflammatory pseudopolyps | Benign |
| Adenomatous polyps | High Risk |
| Villous adenomas | High Risk |
Colon Polyp Size and Cancer Risk
90% of polyps found during colonoscopy are less than 1 cm in size, 10% are about 6-9 mm in size, and 90% are about 1-5 mm in size. Colon polyps with a 1-5 mm size have a high-grade heterogeneous hyperplasia rate of 0.5-10% and a cancerous rate of 0-0.05%. The size and number of polyps are also factors in terms of your cancer risk:
- Approximately 1% of colon polyps with a diameter less than 1 cm are cancerous.
- If you have more than one polyp or 1 cm or bigger, you are considered at higher risk for colon cancer.
- Up to 50% of colon polyps greater than 2 cm are cancerous.
- It is considered an advanced colon polyp (a high-risk lesion) if it is 1 cm or larger, has a villous component, or has high-grade dysplasia.
How to Reducing Cancer Risk
Experts recommend that healthy adults older than 50 should undergo colonoscopy once a year. Colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent colon cancer, and the doctor must find and remove as many precancerous growths as possible. Whenever you have a colonoscopy, you should have the highest quality exam possible so the doctor can find all the polyps. The following are certain steps may lower your risk of colon cancer, even after the remove of colon polyps:
- Regular screening is the most important step you can take to prevent polyps and colon cancer.
- Regular physical activity, no smoking, and moderating alcohol intake will also benefit your health.
- A healthy diet is extremely important. Tea, leafy greens, and berries have natural antioxidants, healthy fats, and high-fiber grains, fruits, and veggies may also help.
- Ensure folate, calcium, and vitamin D intake, and these nutrients have been linked to reduced risk of colon cancer in some studies.
While the possibility of having polyps and them turning into cancer is unsettling, know that most polyps can be removed safely during a colonoscopy. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is the best way.
