Certain types of colorectal polyps, if left untreated, have the potential to develop into colon cancer over time. The risk of a polyp becoming cancerous varies depending on its histological type and the number of polyps present in the bowel. Initially benign polyps can, over time, acquire cancerous characteristics as a result of changes occurring in their genetic material. The uncontrolled division of cells can lead to the growth of the polyp and an increased risk of malignant transformation.