Colon Polyp Overview

Did You Know? Colon polyps can develop throughout all 6ft of the colon

Polyp Related Colorectal Cancer is Preventable 

By Age 60, One-Third or More Will Have At Least One Polyp

Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon and are very common. Many individuals may go their entire life with no symptoms or side effects of colon polyps. The danger is that polyps can become cancerous, leading to significant procedures causing a drastic change in lifestyle or death.

This resource should be used as a reference to symptoms, diagnosis, types, treatments and precautions concerning colon polyps.

01 | Symptoms

Symptoms can vary and only arise in a small portion of cases. Blood in your stool, black stool, pain, obstruction, constipation, and diarrhea can all be signs of potential polys. A patient may also suffer from weakness, fainting, light-headedness and pale skin.      

02 | Diagnosis

An endoscopic colonoscopy is necessary to properly diagnose polyps and perform biopsies if necessary. A colonoscope, which has a flexible tube with a light and a camera attached, is inserted through the colon until it reaches the cecum. Upon withdrawing the colonoscope, the lining of the intestine is observed for polyps and other abnormalities. A barium enema can also be performed, in which the colon is filled with barium and X-rays of the colon are taken to find polyps.

03 | Types of Polyps 

• Adenomatous Polyps - Most common form and the most likely to cause cancer. Also can carry genetic mutations in the APC gene causing hundreds of thousands of polyps to develop in a patient.
• Hyperplastic Polyps - Second most common form with very little chance of developing into cancer.
• Uncommon/Rare Forms – Juvenile, hamartomatous and inflammatory polyps have carrying possibilities of becoming cancerous and are highly dependent on the particular patient. 

04 | Treatment

During a colonoscopy, if medical providers find it necessary to biopsy or remove a polyp, electro-cautery is performed.  The electro-cautery is performed with the endoscope then a microscope helps to fully observe the polyp. Depending on the condition of the polyps removed and if there has been a spread of cancerous cells, some of the colon may need to be removed.

05 | Precautions

While many colon polyps are benign and do not lead to any serious conditions, there is still a chance of the polyps developing into colon cancer. As a patient becomes older, it becomes more critical to receive proper checkups. A patient may not suffer symptoms and a benign polyp can become cancerous. The larger a polyp becomes the greater the chance of it becoming malignant. The frequency and general amount of polyps observed are possible indicators of cancerous cells. 

For more information on this and other gastroenterological conditions please visit:  http://www.gastroenterology.com/  

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References

http://www.medicinenet.com/colon_polyps/article.htm