Colon polyps are groups of tissue that grow inside the large intestine. Most polyps are not dangerous, but they can be cancerous, according to Medline Plus. Risk factors for developing polyps include being over the age of 50, a history of previous polyps, a history of an inflammatory intestinal condition such as Crohn's disease, smoking, obesity and a family history of colon cancer. Polyps range in size from being flat to as large as a golf ball. Many polyps do not have symptoms associated with them and are found during a routine colonoscopy.
Bleeding
Bleeding from the rectum is the most common complaint associated with polyps, according to the Merck Manual. The bleeding is rarely severe and is normally seen as bright red blood on the toilet paper or mixed in the stool. Blood in the stool may also appear black and tarry. All bleeding from the rectum requires evaluation by a physician to determine the cause.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Having polyps may change normal bowel movements. Bowel movements can vary from day to day depending on factors such as diet, but changes from normal that last longer than a week signify a possible colon polyp. Some changes in bowel movements associated with polyps include constipation and diarrhea. Other times the shape of the stool changes. Formed stool may appear skinnier than usual, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pain
Large colon polyps may block the normal passage of stool. This blockage, also referred to as a bowel obstruction, might cause pain. The pain occurs as abdominal cramping and pain in the abdomen. The pain may be constant or it can come and go. Nausea, vomiting and constipation are additional symptoms associated with an obstruction due to a large colon polyp.
