1.Definition of symptoms Colon polyps are small masses formed in the mucosal layer of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless to human body. However, over time, some colon polyps may develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when colon cancer is detected at an advanced stage. Everyone can develop colon polyps. Your risk of developing colon polyps is increased if you are ≥50 years old, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. Colon polyps usually do not cause any symptoms. Regular screening tests such as colonoscopy are important because colon polyps found early can often be safely and completely removed. The best way to prevent colon cancer is to receive regular colon polyp screenings. 2. Colon polyps include the following types: (1) Adenomatous polyps. About 2/3 of colon polyps are adenomatous polyps. In fact, only a small percentage of adenomatous polyps will develop into colon cancer. However, almost all malignant polyps are adenomatous polyps; (2) serrated polyps. Serrated polyps have the potential to become cancerous, depending on the size of the polyp and the location of the colon. Small serrated polyps in the lower colon are also known as hyperplastic polyps, and they are rarely malignant. Larger serrated polyps, which are usually flat (without a ventral stalk), are difficult to detect and localize in the higher colon and are precancerous; (3) inflammatory polyps. These colonic polyps may appear after the onset of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Although inflammatory polyps in the colon are not a serious threat in themselves, the combination of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can increase your risk of colon cancer; colon polyps usually do not cause any symptoms. You may not know you have colon polyps until your doctor examines your colon and finds them. 3. Some people with colorectal polyps may have the following symptoms: (1) Rectal bleeding. This may be a sign of a colon polyp or colon cancer or other lesions (such as hemorrhoids or a mild anal tear). (2) Change in stool color. Red streaks appear on the stool, or the stool is black. Changes in stool color can also be caused by foods consumed, medications or supplements taken. (3) Change in bowel habits. Constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a week suggests that you may have a large colon polyp. However, many other lesions can also cause a change in bowel habits. (4) Pain, nausea, or vomiting. Large colon polyps can partially block the bowel, causing cramping abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. (5) Iron deficiency anemia. Colon polyps may bleed slowly over a long period of time and the bleeding cannot be detected in the stool. Chronic bleeding causes the body to lose iron, which is needed for the body to synthesize a substance (hemoglobin) needed by red blood cells to transport oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia caused by chronic bleeding can cause symptoms of weakness and shortness of breath.