A colon polyp is a tiny growth that forms on inside wall of the large intestine (also called colon). Most colon polyps are harmless, but some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer.
In this post, get to know about them and what to do!
Enjoy Reading Through It!!!
What are colon polyps?
Colon polyps are tiny growths that form on the inside of the large intestine.
Polyps are very common. About one-third to one-half of all adults have them by the time they are 50 years old.
What symptoms do they cause?
Polyps do not usually cause symptoms. But some polyps can be or turn into a cancer, so doctors sometimes remove them.
How can we know if there are polyps in the colon or not?
Doctors usually discover colon polyps when they are doing
screening tests to check for colon or rectal cancer (Clic
k here to read our post on colon rectal cancer screening).
The screening tests for colon and rectal cancer include Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy), Stool test for occult blood, Capsule colonoscopy.
What is the treatment of colonic polyps?
Doctors can remove polyps during colonoscopy. They remove polyps either by snipping them off with a special cutting tool or by catching the polyps in a noose. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. But sometimes, large polyps need to be removed at a later time, either with another colonoscopy or with surgery.
After polyps are removed, is there any follow up?
You might need to have a colonoscopy every few years to check for more polyps. In some people polyps come back. And if you had the kind of polyps that could become cancer, your doctor will want to remove them as they appear.
Also, if the polyps you had removed were the kind that could become cancer, people in your family might need to be checked for polyps and colon cancer earlier than if you did not have polyps.
Depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest genetic testing. This can show if your polyps are related to a specific gene that runs in families. If this turns out to be the case, they might recommend other tests that can be done to prevent cancer or find it early.
Can colon polyps be prevented?
To reduce your chances of getting polyps or colon cancer:
- Eat a diet that is low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Lose weight, if you are overweight
- Do not smoke
- Limit the amount of alcohol or even better stop taking it altogether
