Colon
Polyps
What
is it?
Colon polyps are growths of
tissue that protrude from the lining of the colon
(large intestine) into the space inside the bowel.
Because they can be precancerous, doctors
generally recommend removing all polyps from the
colon and rectum.
Most polyps, however, are non-cancerous and
can be successfully treated.
Who
gets it?
Anyone can develop colon
polyps. Advancing age is the most common risk
factor in colon polyps. Colon polyps are
found in 10-20% of patients over 50 years of age. Those with family members who have had familial polyposis are
more likely to develop colon polyps and have a
higher risk of colon cancer.
Familial polyposis is a hereditary
condition where in excess of 100 precancerous
polyps develop in the large intestine and rectum.
Those with a history of colorectal cancer, or
colorectal polyps, are also at
increased risk.
What
causes it?
The cause of colon polyps is
not known.
What
are the symptoms?
Colon polyps often cause no
symptoms. Noticeable
symptoms may include painless bleeding from the
rectum or blood in the stools, anemia, and painful
spasms of the rectal muscle that make you feel as
though you need to have a bowel movement (tenesmus).
Large polyps can cause cramps, abdominal
pain, and obstructions in the intestine.
How
is it diagnosed?
To diagnose colon polyps,
your doctor will take a complete medical history
and perform a thorough exam.
He or she may order blood tests and check a
stool sample for blood.
Your doctor may be able to feel colon
polyps in the rectum with a gloved finger.
Most polyps are discovered during routine
sigmoidoscopy, which is an exam of the rectum and
sigmoid colon with a flexible viewing tube called
an endoscope.
If a polyp is found, your doctor will
perform a colonoscopy, which gives a better view
of the entire colon.
During the colonoscopy, your doctor will remove the polyp for
further study under a microscope.
Other tests include a double contrast
barium enema, where barium is injected into the
colon using an enema. The barium provides a more
detailed view when x-rays of the colon are taken.
What
is the treatment?
Colon polyps should be
removed as soon as possible. Noncancerous
polyps can usually be removed during a colonoscopy.
Polyps
that cannot be removed during colonoscopy will
require abdominal surgery.
When polyps are cancerous, the surgeon will
usually remove the portion of the large intestine
that is affected and then join the healthy ends of
the intestine back together. In
more severe cases, all or part of the colon may
need to be removed.
This is called a colectomy.
You should have a colonoscopy one
year after any removal of colon polyps, cancerous
or noncancerous.
After that your doctor should perform
colonoscopies at regular intervals to check for
recurrences.
Self-care
tips
Early detection is important.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any family
history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
If you are over the age of 40, an occult
blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy
should be part of your routine physical exam. It’s
also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle,
including exercise and a nutritious diet that
includes high-fiber foods.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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