Risk factors | Types | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Polyps are non-cancerous abnormal growth of the tissue along the lining of gastrointestinal wall. Gastrointestinal polyps can be removed endoscopically through colonoscopy or surgically if the polyp is too large. During colonoscopy, the polyps are identified and cut using forceps. Larger polyps are removed by passing a wire snare, tightening the snare around the polyp base and then burning with electric cautery. Polyps that are removed through colonoscopy are sent for further analysis or to detect cancer. Polypectomy is safe and is not associated with serious complications and risks. The most common risks associated with polypectomy are perforation and bleeding.
Colon polyps are extra fleshy growth that develops on the lining of the large intestine (colon) protruding into the intestinal canal. Colon polyps are more common in older individuals. Colon polyps are non-cancerous, but some polyps become cancerous.
Certain people may have a greater chance of getting polyps which are;
The three most common types of colon polyps are hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and polyposis syndromes. Hyperplastic polyps refer to abnormal increase in the number of cells in the tissue. Adenomas are most dangerous of developing into colon cancer. They may be sessile or flat and may be removed during colonoscopy or require surgery.
Colon polyps are usually not associated with symptoms. When they occur, symptoms include bleeding from the anus, blood stools, abdominal pain, and mucous discharge, changes in bowel movements, and constipation or diarrhea.
Your physician will perform the following tests to diagnose colon polyps:
In most cases, polyps can be removed during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy examination and then tested for cancer. During colonoscopy, polyps can be removed by snaring them with a wire loop passed through the instrument and burning the tissue with electric cautery.
Surgery is required in some polyps that cannot be removed with the instruments because of their size or location. Polypectomy is surgical excision or removal of a polyp.
You can reduce the risk of developing colon polyp by having high fiber and low fat diet, by avoiding alcohol and smoking, and by exercising and maintaining weight.