Colon polyp / Polyp colon

A polyp is a lesion of the colonic mucosa, a protrusion formed by an accumulation of cells lining the colon.
Although most polyps do not pose a medical problem, some can become malignant over time.
Anyone can develop a colon polyp, but the risk increases after the age of 50. Individuals with obesity, those who smoke, have a high-fat diet, or a family history, are at increased risk.

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Polyps develop as a result of abnormal growth of cells that make up the colonic tissue. Healthy cells grow in a regulated manner, in a process controlled by specific groups of genes.

A mutation, an abnormal growth process in one of the genes, can cause cells to grow in an uncontrolled manner.
This uncontrolled growth leads to the formation of polyps, which can develop throughout the colon.