Colon polyps are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. They are usually benign, meaning not cancerous. However, some types of polyps can develop into cancer over time. That’s why it’s essential to have regular screenings for colon polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Symptoms of colon polyps
Most colon polyps do not cause symptoms. While colon polyps are usually not dangerous, it is essential to have them checked by a doctor to monitor any changes and ensure that they do not develop into cancer. Common symptoms of colon polyps include:
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- Bleeding from the rectum
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in stool color
- Iron deficiency anemia
If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor will be able to can rule out other potential causes and conduct a proper diagnosis.
Risk Factors of colon polyps
The exact cause of colon polyps is unknown. However, some risk factors may increase your chances of developing them. These include:
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- Age: People over 50 are more likely to develop colon polyps.
- Family history: If you have a family member with colon polyps or colorectal cancer, you may be at increased risk.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can increase your risk of colon polyps.
- Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of colon polyps.
- Genetic syndromes: Certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of developing colon polyps.
Understanding the potential causes of colon polyps is essential to reduce the risk of developing them.
Genetic syndromes
Hereditary polyp disorders are conditions that cause polyps to develop in the colon. There are a few types of hereditary polyp disorders:
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- Familial adenomatous polyposis: FAP typically begins during the teenage years, and if left untreated, the condition can lead to colon cancer in nearly 100% of cases, usually before the age of 40.
- Lynch Syndrome: People with Lynch syndrome tend to develop relatively few colon polyps, but those polyps can quickly become malignant. Lynch syndrome is the most common form of inherited colon cancer and is also associated with tumors in the breast, stomach, small intestine, urinary tract, and ovaries.
- Gardner’s Syndrome: You may also develop noncancerous tumors in other parts of your body, including your skin, bones, and abdomen. In people with Gardner’s syndrome, the first polyp usually develops in early childhood, and the condition is often diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood. The number and size of the polyps increase over time, and they may eventually become cancerous.
- Serrated polyposis syndrome: Serrated polyposis syndrome is a condition that leads to the development of multiple serrated adenomatous polyps in the upper part of the colon. These polyps have an increased potential to become cancerous, so patients with this condition require close surveillance and regular removal of these lesions.
You must talk to your doctor about getting screened if you have a family history of colon cancer or any other risk factors for colon polyps. Screenings can help find any polyps early so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment for colon polyps
Most often, polyps are found during a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube with a tiny video camera on its tip is inserted through the rectum and into the colon. The tube is called a colonoscope. The doctor watches a video screen as the colonoscope is moved along the inside of your colon. If any polyps are found, the doctor can remove them during the procedure. A biopsy (removing a small tissue sample) can also be done during a colonoscopy.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on its end to look at the last one-third of your large intestine (rectum and sigmoid colon). This exam can often find larger polyps but cannot detect smaller ones or those located higher in the large intestine.
Depending on the results of these tests, additional Treatment may be necessary. Surgery may sometimes be recommended to remove all or part of the colon. Colon polyps treatment is vital to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. You should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your risk for this condition.
Prevention of colon polyps
There is no sure way to prevent colon polyps. However, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These include:
Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for colon polyps, so quitting can help lower your chances of developing them.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red meat and processed foods can help reduce your risk.
Get regular screenings: Screenings can help catch colon polyps early before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
Colon polyps can be serious, especially if they turn into cancer. The most common symptoms of colon polyps are bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, and changes in bowel habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately. There is no sure way to prevent colon polyps, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These include eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular screenings. If you’re over the age of 50 or have other risk factors for colon polyps, it’s essential to get regular screenings so any polyps can be caught early and removed if necessary.