context: Colon polyps are growths on the lining of your colon or large intestine, part of your digestive tract. Most of them aren't harmful. But some can turn into colon cancer over time. For that reason, your doctor needs to take out any colon polyps you have. Doctors don't know exactly why they form. Normally, healthy cells grow and divide in a specific way. Polyps may happen when cells grow and divide more than they should. Anyone can get colon polyps, but certain things make you more likely to have them, including if you: Are overweight or obese Are age 50 or older Smoke Have had colon polyps or colon cancer before Have an inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Have type 2 diabetes that isn't well-controlled There are also some genetic conditions that raise your chances for polyps and colon cancer, including: Familial adenomatous polyposis ( FAP). This can cause hundreds or thousands of polyps to grow when you're young, as early as your teenage years. Gardner's syndrome. This is a type of FAP that causes polyps to grow in your colon and small intestine. It may also cause noncancerous tumors in other parts of your body. Lynch syndrome. Also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, it causes you to grow polyps that are very likely to become colon cancer. MYH-associated polyposis ( MAP). A problem with the MYH gene causes many polyps to grow or colon cancer to happen at a young age. Peutz- Jeghers syndrome. The condition starts with freckles that show up all over the body. It also causes colon polyps that can become cancer. Serrated polyposis syndrome. This causes a specific type of polyp, serrated adenomatous polyps, to grow in the upper part of the colon. They can turn into colon cancer. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor will recommend regular screening tests to look for problems early. Not all polyps are the same. There are two main kinds: Hyperplastic. This type is unlikely to become cancer. Adenoma. Most colon cancer starts as this type, though not all adenomas will become harmful. Under a microscope, adenomas look different based on how they grow. Doctors divide them into types based on their growth patterns: Tubular Villous Sessile Serrated In general, the larger an adenoma, the more likely it is to become cancer. Most colon polyps don't cause symptoms. You probably won't know you have one unless a test finds it. If you do show symptoms, you may have: Blood in your poop, in the toilet bowl, or on toilet paper when you wipe. These could be signs of bleeding inside your colon. A bowel movement that's black or has red streaks, which may mean there's blood in it Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than a week Belly pain Fatigue or shortness of breath. These can be signs that your body doesn't have enough iron, which can happen if polyps bleed. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. They don't always mean that you have colon polyps or colon cancer. Other things like hemorrhoids, tears in the tissue inside your bottom, or some medicines can cause these symptoms. But it's important to be sure. Different tests can find colon polyps. With some of them, your doctor can remove any polyps during the test. Screening tests for colon polyps include: Colonoscopy. Your doctor uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end to look at the inside of your colon. They can remove most polyps as the polyps are found and send them to a lab to find out if they're cancer. Virtual colonoscopy. Also known as a CT colonography, it uses X-rays and a computer to make pictures of your colon from outside of your body. Your doctor can't take polyps out during this test. Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor will put a thin tube with a light into your bottom to look at the lower part of your colon. If you have a polyp, he can remove it during the procedure. Stool test. Your doctor will check a sample of your poop for blood. If he sees any, you'll need to have a colonoscopy. Lower gastrointestinal series. Before this test, you drink a chalky liquid called barium, which makes your colon easier to see during an X-ray. During a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, your doctor uses forceps or a wire loop to remove polyps. This is called a polypectomy. If the polyp is too large to take out this way, you may need surgery to remove it. Once it's out, a pathologist tests it for cancer. If you have a genetic condition like familial adenomatous polyposis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove part or all of your colon and rectum. That's the best way to prevent colon cancer for people with these health problems. If you have colon polyps, there's a good chance you'll get more of them later on. Your doctor will recommend that you have more screening tests in the future. Healthy habits can lower your odds of having colon polyps. For example, you should: Eat a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, peas, and high-fiber cereal. Lose weight if you're overweight. Limit red meat, processed meats, and foods that are high in fat. Talk to your doctor about whether calcium and vitamin D supplements are right for you. Some studies suggest they could lower your odds of colon cancer, but others don't. If you have a family history of colon polyps, ask your doctor if you should get genetic counseling and when you should start screening for polyps.