what is a precancerous polyp

11 months ago 38
Nature

A precancerous polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum that has the potential to become cancerous if not removed. These polyps are often found during a colonoscopy and can be of different types, such as adenomatous polyps, tubular adenomas, sessile serrated adenomas, and hyperplastic polyps. Adenomatous polyps, in particular, are known as precancerous polyps and have a greater cancer risk, especially when they are larger than 1 centimeter. Not all polyps are precancerous, and they can be easily removed during a colonoscopy if found. The removal of precancerous polyps is crucial in preventing the development of colorectal cancer