Are sessile polyps cancerous?

According to WebMD, it is possible for sessile polyps to develop into cancer. Sessile polyps grow on the inside wall of the colon and are characterized by their flatness and lack of a stalk. These types of polyps may be removed during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

WebMD states that risks of a colonoscopy are rare. Some include a chance of puncturing the colon wall and causing internal bleeding, bleeding from removal of the polyp and complications from sedatives. Regular screenings are recommended in order to catch the development of polyps into colon cancer. If cancer is already present during a screening, treatment for colorectal cancer is necessary.