Does Polyp Mean Cancer?

Nearly all colon and rectal cancers begin as a polyp, a growth on the inner surface of your colon. Polyps themselves usually aren't cancer. The most common types of polyps in your colon and rectum include: Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps.

What percentage of polyps are cancerous?

Approximately 1% of polyps with a diameter less than 1 centimeter (cm) are cancerous. If you have more than one polyp or the polyp is 1 cm or bigger, you're considered at higher risk for colon cancer. Up to 50% of polyps greater than 2 cm (about the diameter of a nickel) are cancerous.

Do polyps mean you have cancer?

Does having a polyp mean that I will get cancer? No, but it does increase your risk. Most polyps – even the adenomatous type – do not turn into cancer. However, nearly all colorectal cancers that do develop start out as polyps.