Colon Polyps
A colon polyp is an abnormal growth rising from the large intestine (colon). Most polyps are benign, which means they are noncancerous and typically cause no symptoms. Most benign polyps are classified as one of two types: adenomatous (adenomas) and hyperplastic. Adenomas are the precursor lesions for colorectal carcinoma (colon cancer). The more common hyperplastic polyps are benign and, in most
instances, are not considered to be premalignant. A definitive distinction between the two types requires polyp removal and microscopic examination by a surgical pathologist.
Anyone can get colon polyps, but certain people are more likely to get them than others. You may have a higher risk if:
• You are over 50 years of age
• You have had polyps before
• Someone in your family has had polyps
• Someone in your family has had cancer
• You have had uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50
Common Symptoms
Most people with colon polyps do not experience any symptoms. Often, people don’t know they have one until the doctor finds it during a regular checkup or while testing for something else. Some people, however, do have symptoms, such as:
1. Bleeding from the anus. You might notice blood on your underwear or on toilet paper after you’ve had
a bowel movement.
2. Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week.
3. Blood in the stool.
Diagnosis
The determination of whether polyps are present or not, may included one or more of the tests listed below.
• Sigmoidoscopy. The doctor uses the sigmoidoscope, a thin flexible tube and light to look
at the last third of your large intestine.
• Colonoscopy. The doctor looks at the entire large intestine with a long, flexible tube with a
camera that shows images on a TV screen. The tube has a tool that can remove polyps
during your procedure.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. With this test, also called virtual colonoscopy, the
doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into your rectum. A machine using X-rays and computers
creates pictures of the large intestine that can be seen on a screen. The CT scan takes
less time than a colonoscopy because polyps are not removed during the test. If the CT
scan shows polyps, you will need a colonoscopy so they can be removed.
• Stool test. The doctor will ask you to bring a stool sample in a special kit. The stool is tested in
the laboratory for signs of cancer, such as DNA changes or blood.
Proper diagnosis is important in order for your physician to determine the best course of monitoring and treatment for your condition. In most cases, the doctor removes colon polyps during sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The polyps are then sent to a pathologist - a physician who specializes in the diagnosis of disease via microscopic examination of a tissue sample - to determine the type of polyp and if cancer is
present. The pathologist's diagnosis is often the key to determining the need for further treatment.
If you’ve had colon polyps, additional colonoscopies, over time, will be necessary to monitor your condition and check on the possible development of new polyps. This is essential in order to reduce your risk of cancer.
Treatment Option
Typically colon polyps are removed during sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, thereby reducing the risk of
complications or cancer.
Prevention of colon polyps is unknown, but to lower your risk the following is recommended:
• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less fatty food
• Maintain a high-fiber diet
• Monitor your bowel habits; consult your physician if you experience changes in bowel
movements, abdominal cramps or blood in your stool
Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider
• What type of polyps do I have?
• What treatment option is best for me?
• What dietary or lifestyle changes are recommended?
• How frequently should I have a colonoscopy?