Can colon polyps cause abdominal pain?

Jun 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

During my physical exam, the doctor told me I have a small colon polyp. Recently, I've been experiencing severe abdominal pain. Can a colon polyp cause stomach pain?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Whether colon polyps cause abdominal pain mainly depends on the size and characteristics of the polyp. 1. **Size of the polyp**: Small polyps typically do not cause noticeable abdominal pain. However, larger polyps, especially multiple ones, may irritate the colon wall and interfere with stool passage, leading to abdominal pain. In particular, when a polyp exceeds three centimeters in diameter, it may obstruct the intestinal lumen, causing bowel obstruction and resulting in abdominal pain. 2. **Nature of the polyp**: Besides size, the type of polyp can also influence the occurrence of abdominal pain. For example, some pedunculated polyps may undergo torsion at the stalk, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the polyp, which can trigger abdominal pain. In most cases, colon polyps do not cause abdominal pain. However, pain may occur when the polyp is large or has special characteristics. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.