DefinitionA colorectal polyp is a growth that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum.Alternative NamesIntestinal polyps; Polyps - colorectal; Adenomatous polyps; Hyperplastic polyps; Villous adenomasCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPolyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign. There may be single or many polyps, and they become more common as people age.Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, may develop into colon cancer. Another common type of polyp found in the colon is called a hyperplastic polyp, which usually does not develop into colon cancer.Polyps bigger than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk than polyps under 1 centimeter. Risk factors include:AgeFamily history of colon cancer or polypsA type of polyp called villous adenomaPolyps may a