All You Need to Know About Colon Polyps

A colon polyp is a growth on the inside of the colon. Thankfully, not all of them are malignant. In fact, most of them are non-cancerous and it is possible to completely extract them. Colonoscopy results often reveal such growths in men over the age of 40 and physicians usually remove them during the process so that they can be analyzed for precancerous characteristics. If left intact, some of these masses may eventually turn cancerous. Therefore, detection and extraction of polyps is an effective way of preventing possible future malignancies. 

Types of Polyps 

Colonic masses fall into three broad categories: 

 1. Sessile - Shaped like a dome, without a stalk. Usually harmless but are taken out anyway. 

 2. Hyperplastic - Non-precancerous, yet physicians remove them to avoid any risk 

 3. Adenomas - Lesions that slowly progress to cancer. Removing them is almost always the course taken by physicians. 

Read more: 3 Reasons Why World Cancer Day is Important 

Causes and Risk Factors for Colon Polyps 

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of colon polyps which are as follows: 

1. Age 

The risk of developing colon polyps increases with age with the majority of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 50. 

2. Family history 

This disease is hereditary and individuals with a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer are at an increased risk. 

3. Personal history 

People with a medical history of colon polyps in the past are at increased risk of developing new polyps. 

4. Inflammatory bowel disease 

Those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, are at greater risk. 

5. Diet 

Red meat, processed foods and a diet low in fiber may contribute to this condition. 

6. Obesity 

People who are overweight or obese may develop colon polyps. 

7. Sedentary lifestyle 

Lack of physical activity and leading a sedentary lifestyle may put you at risk. Of developing colon polyps 

8. Certain genetic conditions 

Some genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome may contribute to this disease. 

9. Ethnicity 

African Americans are at greater risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer than people of other ethnicities. 

Symptoms of Colon Polyps 

While most colonic growths do not perpetrate any signs at first, here are some warning signs that one should be aware of: 

• Consistent bowel trouble such as diarrhea or constipation 
• Abdominal distress 
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool 
• Constant tiredness 
• Anemia 

Diagnosis  

There are several methods that doctors recommend for colon polyps diagnosis depending on an individual’s age and health condition. Some of the most commonly recommended diagnostic testing for colon polyps are as follows: 

1. Colonoscopy  

The most common and effective method of diagnosing colon polyps is colonoscopy. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum to view the colon and identify any polyps. If the doctors find any polyps, they are generally removed during the same procedure. 

2. Virtual colonoscopy 

While colonoscopy is an invasive procedure, virtual colonoscopy is a non-invasive alternative. It uses a CT scan to create detailed images of the colon and in case polyps are found on the scan, a colonoscopy may be later recommended to remove them. 

3. Sigmoidoscopy 

This is quite similar to a colonoscopy but only examines the lower portion of the colon. Doctors usually recommend it as a screening test for people at average risk of colon cancer. 

4. Fecal occult blood test 

It detects the presence of blood in the stool, which can be a possible sign of colon polyps or cancer. However, it is not a definitive diagnostic test and may produce false positive or false negative results sometimes. 

5. Stool DNA testing 

This is a newer test that helps identify abnormal DNA in the stool, which can be an indication of colon polyps or cancer. It is less invasive but may not be as accurate as a colonoscopy. 

Treatment 

If your physician finds polyps during a routine colonoscopy, they will likely recommend extraction and frequent follow-ups post removal. The reason behind the follow-ups is that there is a high possibility of recurrence in such cases. 

• If you have one or two tiny polyps which are not over 5mm in diameter, your cancer risk is lower, and your doctor may only require another colonoscopy after 5-10 years. 
• With more significant growths, the frequency of recurrence is higher. Your physician may recommend another colonoscopy after three years. 
• For those with no polyps, once every ten years is typically sufficient as a screening measure. 

How to Prevent Colon Polyps 

1. Minimize Red Meat Consumption 

Cured red meat, as well as meat that has been cooked at very high temperatures, can put you at greater risk of developing colonic carcinoma. Try increasing the intake of lean meat, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and fatty fish instead. 

2. Get Moving 

Working out for at least 30-minutes every day can help reduce the risk of colon polyps significantly. Besides, regular physical activity also helps manage weight which may otherwise contribute to this disease. 

3. Increase Vitamin D Intake 

Sufficient levels of Vitamin D intake can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Add fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, and fortified foods including milk, orange juice, etc. increase your vitamin D intake. In addition, individuals can also opt for vitamin D supplements to get an adequate supply of this essential nutrient. However, it is essential to talk to a healthcare provider before making any alterations to the diet and getting any new supplements. 

4. Quit Smoking   

Smoking can make individuals more vulnerable to several types of cancer including colorectal carcinoma. Try to avoid inhaling secondhand smoke as well. 

Conclusion 

In summary, not all polyps in the colon are cause for worry. However, it is vital to catch them in time and seek treatment to negate the possibility of them developing into cancer. For more information on various types of cancers and their treatments, please visit our website. Contact us to receive the best-personalized cancer care and treatment plan in Florida.