College of American Pathologists (definition)

Polyps generally begin in the cells of glandular structures lining the colon. Most polyps are benign, but one kind, the adenomatous polyp (adenomas or neoplasric polys), is cause of greater concern. This growth is associated with DNA changes in the lining of the colon. Up to 10 percent of these polyps can become cancerous within a 10-year period if undetected or ignored. This information links to a PDF File from the College of American Pathologists.

Also see: colorectal cancer, colon cancer.