What Causes Polyps in the Colon? Topic Guide

The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus. Most colon cancers start as adenomatous polyps that turn into adenocarcinomas. Colon cancer (bowel cancer) is typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopic procedures. Treatment methods include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Genetic tests can determine the risk of colon cancer in people who have a history of the disease in their family; there are specific gene mutations researchers have discovered. Unfortunately, this is only helpful to a minority of patients because familial colon cancer comprises only about five percent of colon cancer cases.

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is cancer that originates from the color or rectum, and is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the US. Ulcerative colitis or UC is not cancer, but is a disease that causes inflammation, irritation, swelling, and sores on the inner lining of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease. Colon cancer and ulcerative colitis have similar signs and symptoms, for example, abdominal/cramping and/or pain, fatigue, anemia due to blood loss, rectal bleeding, frequent loose bowel movements, and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for getting colon cancer, however, it does not cause cancer. Colon cancer can spread to other organs and areas of the body (metastasize) while ulcerative colitis only occurs in the large intestine. Treatment, cure, and survival rates for colon cancer depends upon the type of cancer, stage, and health of the individual. Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured; however, symptoms and recurrence of the disease can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.