{"id":39606,"date":"2026-07-18T23:06:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T15:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hkioc.com.hk\/%e3%80%90%e5%a4%a7%e8%85%b8%e7%98%9c%e8%82%89%e3%80%91%e5%a4%a7%e8%85%b8%e7%99%8c%e7%af%a9%e6%9f%a5%e7%9f%a5%e5%a4%9a%e5%b0%91%ef%bc%9f%e8%aa%8d%e8%ad%98%e5%a4%a7%e8%85%b8%e7%98%9c%e8%82%89%e5%bd%a2\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T22:19:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T14:19:57","slug":"colorectal-polyp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hkioc.com.hk\/en\/colorectal-polyp\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorectal polyp: What Is It, and What Are The Symptoms?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most cases of colorectal cancer<\/a> begin with a single polyp in the large intestine. Because the symptoms of colorectal polyps are often subtle, screening plays a crucial role in early detection. The following expert guide explains the causes and symptoms of colorectal polyps, helping those considering colorectal cancer screening better understand their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. What Are Colorectal Polyps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal polyps are abnormal growths of mucosal tissue along the inner wall of the large intestine. While most polyps are benign in their early stages, some may enlarge over time and develop into cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. How Can You Recognise the Symptoms of Colorectal Polyps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of colorectal polyps may include mucus or blood in the stool<\/a>, red streaks or black colouration in the stool, persistent constipation or diarrhoea lasting more than a week without an apparent cause, abdominal pain, and fatigue or shortness of breath caused by iron deficiency anaemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, these symptoms can also occur in other conditions, which often leads to confusion. For example, blood in the stool may also be caused by haemorrhoids, while changes in stool colour can result from diet or certain medications. A doctor can usually rule out common causes through a simple abdominal examination and digital rectal examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How Can You Tell Whether a Colorectal Polyp Is Benign or Malignant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The type of colorectal polyp cannot be determined from external symptoms alone. A colonoscopy is required so that the doctor can examine the intestinal lining and take tissue samples for laboratory analysis. As a general rule, polyps larger than one centimetre in diameter should be removed promptly to reduce the risk of cancerous transformation. Colorectal polyps generally fall into two main categories: adenomatous polyps and hyperplastic polyps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adenomatous polyps:<\/strong> These have the potential to develop into cancer. The cancer cells may invade and damage surrounding organs, and can also spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Once a polyp progresses to advanced cancer, the mortality risk increases significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyperplastic polyps:<\/strong> These appear as small mucosal protrusions on the intestinal wall. They do not develop into malignant tumours and are generally harmless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Do I Need Colorectal Cancer Screening or a Colonoscopy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past 30 years, colorectal cancer has placed a significant burden on society and the healthcare system. In response, the government launched the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, which subsidises screening services at private medical facilities for asymptomatic Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 75. Individuals belonging to high risk groups, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or chronic intestinal inflammation, are not eligible for the government subsidy. These individuals are advised to consult a doctor and may need to begin screening at a younger age and undergo more frequent examinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are considering colorectal cancer screening or a colonoscopy, you should first take note of whether you are experiencing any symptoms of colorectal polyps, suffer from chronic intestinal inflammation, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n