What Are the Causes of Polyps in the Colon?
- According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, certain dietary habits may be a risk factor for colon polyps, but not a direct cause of them. A diet that is low in fibrous foods such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains may increase the risk of developing colon polyps. Diets that are low in calcium or high in fat may also contribute to the development of polyps in the colon.
- A family history of polyps in the colon can increase an individual's risk of developing them as well, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although family history does not directly cause colon polyps, people with siblings or parents who have had colon polyps or cancer develop polyps more frequently than those without a family history. Environmental exposures to poisons or shared indoor environmental risks such as tobacco smoke in the family home can also increase the risk of getting colon polyps.
- Some people may inherit certain disorders that can cause abnormalities of the colon that lead to colon polyps, according to the Mayo Clinic. Familial adenomatous polyposis is a condition caused by a genetic mutation and can cause a person to develop hundreds of colon polyps starting as a teenager and throughout adulthood. Another genetic cause of colon polyps is Gardner's syndrome, which can also cause abnormal growths or tumors in other parts of the body, including the skin and bones.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, inflammatory bowel conditions may be a cause of polyps in the colon. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that can cause polyps to develop in the colon and can increase the risk of colon cancer later in life. Ulcerative colitis is another type of bowel inflammation that can cause colon polyps to develop.
- Certain lifestyle factors can directly cause colon polyps to develop or increase the risk of developing them, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who use tobacco products or drink alcoholic beverages develop colon polyps more frequently than those who do not, and those who do both are even more likely to develop colon polyps. A lack of exercise and being obese can increase the risk of developing polyps in the colon and getting colon cancer.
- According to the National Library of Medicine, certain personal factors can be a cause of polyps in the colon. People who are 50 and older are more likely to have colon polyps than younger people; men are more likely to have them than women; and blacks more likely than whites. A personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer can also increase the risk of developing a new polyp, especially if any abnormal cells remain in the colon.