Colonic polyps: Abnormal excess tissue growth in the colon that can become cancerous. In familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic mutation causes thousands of these colonic polyps to grow. The danger is not limited to the colon as these growths can affect many organs.

Colorectal cancer: Uncontrolled growth of cells that invade healthy cells in the body and may spread to other organs.

Ulcerative colitis: Ulcers of the colon and rectum.

Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon.