How long does it take for colon polyps to turn cancerous?

Colon polyps are characterized by the growth of stem cells along the inner lining of the large intestine of varying size and shape. Most colon polyps are harmless, but there are also malignant types that can turn into cancer.

Polyp lumps usually do not develop immediately like cancer. Some people don't even notice polyps until cancer symptoms appear. So, how long does it take for the polyp tissue to turn into cancer?

The process of turning colon polyps into cancer

Naturally, your body's cells are always actively dividing to replace tissue that is damaged, old, or dead. Healthy cells will divide regularly and stop once all the tissue has been renewed.

Sometimes, the DNA in the cell undergoes mutations so that cell division occurs faster than it should be. The mutation sometimes also keeps the cells growing even after the new tissue has been renewed.

This abnormal growth is the forerunner of a tumor or polyp.

Polyps can grow anywhere, including in the large intestine. Colon polyps are divided into two categories, namely non-neoplastic polyps and neoplastic polyps.

Non-neoplastic polyps are generally benign and do not turn into colon cancer.

Conversely, neoplastic polyps have a high chance of developing into cancer. The risk of cancer is even higher if the polyp is large because there are more cells that can grow in it.

Citing the pages of the American College of Gastroenterology, it takes about 10 years for polyps to grow into cancer.

However, not everyone who has polyps will experience them. There are a number of factors that can shorten this time span.

A study in 2014 found that as many as 6% of people with colon polyps were diagnosed with colon cancer 3-5 years after testing.

Factors that increase the risk include age 65 and older, a family history of colon cancer, and the type of polyp.

The type of polyp suffered by the patients in the study was a neoplastic polyp that could develop into cancer.

Prevent colon polyps from turning into cancer

The growths of polyps do not cause symptoms, so you will need to be tested to detect their presence. This examination can be in the form of an X-ray test, CT scan , or colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is an examination using a special tube that is inserted into the large intestine through the rectum. This tube is equipped with a small camera and a special tool to take polyp tissue samples.

If polyps are found in the colon, the doctor can remove them during the colonoscopy procedure.

However, doctors usually advise patients to have another check-up to make sure all the polyps have disappeared and there is no risk of cancer.

The timing of the next examination depends on the size of the polyp found on the first examination. Here are the considerations:

• If there are 1-2 polyps measuring 5 millimeters or less, the risk of the polyp turning into colon cancer is relatively small. You may be advised to return to the check-up after 5-10 years.
• If the polyps are 10 millimeters or more in size, are numerous, or appear abnormal after being examined under a microscope, you may be advised to return after 3 years.
• If there are no polyps, you can do another check in 10 years.

Polyp growth is difficult to prevent, but you can prevent polyps from turning into colon cancer by undergoing screening as early as possible. This examination also helps you anticipate the risk of cancer in the future.