Most sessile polyps arebenign(non-cancerous) and unlikely to turnmalignant(cancerous).
However, certain changes in sessile polyps may place you at a higher risk of developingcolon cancer.
This includes having polyps known assessile serrated adenomasthat areprecancerousand account for 25% of colon cancer cases.
JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Sessile polyps do not typically cause symptoms and are usually found during a routinecolonoscopy.
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JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
What Do Sessile Polyps Look Like?
Apolypis an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from themucosal membrane(mucus-producing tissues) of hollow organs.
The term “sessile” means that it is attached to tissues by a broad base.
Unlikepedunculated polypsthat are connected by a stalk, sessile polyps are flat or dome-shaped.
Sessile colon polyps are usually benign (noncancerous).
However, some can change and become precancerous ormalignant.
It is only when these changes occur that symptoms can develop.
The location of the polyp can also play a part.
These includeadenomatous polypswhich arise out of glandular tissues.
These polyps are also more likely to turn into cancer.
How Long Does It Take for a Sessile Polyp to Become Cancer?
The speed at which a polyp can turn cancerous can vary by the polyp pop in.
Risk Factors for Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer
Polyps can grow anywhere within the large intestine.
These include:
How Are Sessile Polyps Treated?
Sessile polyps are usually removed during a colonoscopy.
If there is, another colonoscopy would be scheduled to remove the polyp.
If its not possible to remove it during a colonoscopy, surgery may be needed.
The recommended colonoscopy schedule can differ if polyps are found.
For instance:
Summary
Sessile polyps are flat or dome-shaped abnormal growths in the colon’s lining.
Colon polyps are usually benign, but all colon cancers begin as polyps.
Sessile serrated adenomas are more likely to be precancerous than other types of sessile polyps.
Routine colon cancer screenings should begin at age 45and younger if you’re at high risk for colon cancer.
University of Michigan Health.Colon and rectal polyps.
American Cancer Society.What is colorectal cancer?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal (colon) cancer: What should I know about screening?
2015;13(1):156170. doi:10.1007/s11938-015-0046-y
