What Are Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps can be cancerous or benign and are growths on the inside of the colon. They are more common among people that are older than 50 years of age and those who have a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

Risk Factors

Other risk factors for colon polyps are those that eat fatty foods more often, those that do not exercise, and those that are overweight. Smoking and drinking are other risk factors for colon polyps. Lastly, having a family history of ovarian cancer or uterine cancer prior to the age of 50 is also a risk factor.

Symptoms of Colon Polyps

Signs and symptoms of this condition include blood in stool or bleeding from the anus. Having constipation or diarrhea longer than a week is also a symptom of having polyps in the colon.

Colon Polyp Testing and Treatment

Testing for colon polyps is by a colonoscopy. Many times treating the polyps can be done at the same time they are diagnosed and will be from removing them from the body. A colonoscopy is where there is a flexible tube sent through the anus that has a light and camera so the doctor can see the lining. You will be put on a clear liquid diet for a few days before the procedure and given a bowel evacuator so that your colon is clear. If doctors see polyps or abnormalities, they can usually be treated at this time.

Biopsy

After removing the polyps from the colon, they will be tested for signs of cancer. While polyps are typically harmless, there are colorectal cancers that start at this stage. Taking a biopsy, or small tissue sample, from the polyp will allow it to be screen for cancer signs. If it is benign, or not cancerous, there is typically no further treatment needed. If it is malignant, or cancerous, your doctor will then treat you for the cancer.

Your doctor will screen you if you have a risk factor for developing colon polyps or if you have previously had polyps removed. There is a risk that polyps will come back once you’ve had them.

Source: NIH Publication No. 11-6188, NIH Publication No. 10-4331


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