Will intestinal polyps recur after removal?
Jun 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
If the root of an intestinal polyp is not completely removed during resection or if minor remnants remain, and the underlying causes or conditions leading to polyp formation persist, the residual tissue may regrow, resulting in recurrence of the polyp. However, if the intestinal polyp is completely excised without leaving any residual tissue, and regular follow-up examinations are conducted to monitor for any potential regrowth, the likelihood of recurrence is low.
Generally speaking, there is a risk of recurrence after the removal of intestinal polyps, and the specific situation is analyzed as follows:
The occurrence of intestinal polyps may be related to multiple factors such as heredity, chronic intestinal inflammation, and lifestyle and dietary habits. The intestinal environment plays a key role in the recurrence of polyps. If a patient carries genetic mutations associated with familial polyposis or suffers from long-term inflammatory bowel disease with continuous irritation of the intestinal mucosa, new polyps may still develop even after existing ones are removed. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as long-term high-fat, low-fiber diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can promote abnormal proliferation of the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, regular postoperative colonoscopy follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and active treatment of underlying intestinal diseases are essential for timely detection and management of newly developed polyps.
Maintaining healthy dietary habits in daily life, such as consuming more fiber-rich foods, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake, can help reduce the risk of intestinal polyp recurrence.
