A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon. Though most small polyps tend to be benign, larger ones may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Heredity, lifestyle and diet are believed to play a large role in the formation of polyps or growths in the colon. Most people with colon polyps don't have symptoms and don't learn of their existence until they're found during a regular or unrelated checkup. Sometimes people are given warning signals that something is wrong in the form of two or three signs and symptoms.
Rectal Bleeding
Bleeding from the rectum or anus is a symptom often associated with colon polyps or growth, as well as with a host of other non-serious conditions such as hemorrhoids, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Many notice blood on their underwear or on toilet paper following a bowel movement.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Constipation, or even its counterpart diarrhea, is considered a symptom of a polyp in the colon if the pattern continues for more than a week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a government website produced by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Institutes of Health. The Mayo Clinic's site also lists stools that are more narrow in appearance as another symptom of a potential growth in the colon.
Blood in the Stools
Patients with blood in their stool should see a doctor right away, as this is a symptom of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can make stools look black or even tar-like in appearance, or stools can appear with red streaks. Don't become alarmed until you have seen a doctor, because iron supplements and some anti-diarrhea medications can also make stools appear black, according to MayoClinic.org. Beets and food with red food coloring can turn stools red.
