How long does it take for polyps to develop into cancer?

Not all colon polyps develop into cancer, nor is there a fixed time for polyps to turn into cancer in all cases. Because the risk as well as the rate of progression depends on the type of polyp, size, number, location, histopathological characteristics, and risk factors of the patient.

Among them, adenoma is one of the common precancerous lesions. Some adenomatous polyps can develop abnormal changes and develop into colorectal cancer. This process usually takes place over many years, but the specific time is different for each person and cannot be accurately predicted.

Normal hyperplastic polyps have no risk of malignancy. Most are small in size, usually less than 5 mm, concentrated in the rectum and sigmoid colon, discovered incidentally during endoscopy. If the pathology results correctly identify a hyperplastic polyp, the patient usually does not need to worry too much.

Colon polyps often do not cause symptoms, especially when small. When polyps are large, patients often experience changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating or bloody stools. However, these symptoms are not specific and can be easily confused with many other digestive diseases.

Colonoscopy helps detect and evaluate polyps, determining the number, size, location, shape as well as lesion surface characteristics. Depending on the case, the doctor may remove the polyp immediately during the endoscopy or take a tissue sample for pathology and decide on further treatment.

After detecting polyps, patients need to comply with the endoscopy schedule as recommended by the doctor. The interval between repeat colonoscopies is determined by the doctor based on many factors such as type of polyp, number, size, location, histopathological characteristics and history of previous endoscopy...

Some polyps can progress over many years, while others, such as common hyperplastic polyps, have virtually no risk of malignancy. Your mother needs to be re-examined so that the doctor can accurately determine the type of polyp, give an overall assessment, and give appropriate instructions.

To reduce the risk of polyp formation and colorectal cancer, your mother should maintain a diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Your mother needs to limit red meat, processed meat, avoid alcohol, and do not smoke. Regular exercise and maintaining a reasonable weight contribute to increasing resistance.