Colon polyps appear as raised, flat or stalk-like growths of tissue on the surface of the large intestine. Colon polyps typically don't cause cancer, but some types of polyps can become cancerous. Polyps don’t produce symptoms most of the time, and a doctor might find them during an examination of the bowel. People should see a doctor if they experience symptoms, especially if the symptoms last longer than a week.
Anal Bleeding
The presence of colon polyps can appear as bleeding from the anus. The polyps can cause intestinal bleeding, or they can bleed themselves. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that a person with polyps may experience bright, red blood on the underwear or on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement.
Bloody Stools
According to MayoClinic.com, bloody stools often indicate colon polyps. The blood can show up as red streaks in the stool or the bowel movements may appear black. The presence of blood in the stools can tell a doctor where in the colon the polyps reside and how extensively the polyps are bleeding. For example, red streaks of blood in the stools may indicate an actively bleeding polyp in the lower portion of the colon. The blood generally follows the stool as it leaves the body. Stools that appear darker suggest that the polyps may reside in the upper portion of the colon, and also indicates that the polyps have had active bleeding previously, but aren’t currently bleeding. Older blood that sits in the colon and forms in the stools tend to turn darker in color, notes MedlinePlus.
Changes in Bowel function
Smaller colon polyps usually don’t cause problems, but constipation or diarrhea may indicate the presence of a larger colon polyp, reports MayoClinic.com. A larger colon polyp may partially obstruct the bowel, causing constipation. Feces back up in the intestines and don’t get excreted as often, leading to a cramping sensation in the abdomen. Diarrhea or narrow stools may also result from a larger polyp as the stool tries to go around the blockage it has created.
