Colorectal Polyps – Know Your Risk

Did You Know? African Americans have a higher risk for colorectal cancer  

Approximately 140,000 Americans are Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer Each Year 

More Than 90% of Colorectal Cancer Occurs in People Age 50 and Older

The colon, or large intestine, is a long hollow tube at the bottom of the digestive tract. Colorectal polyps are small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Most polyps are harmless, but over time, certain types of polyps can develop into cancer, which, if left undetected, can be fatal.  

Please read the following guide to learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for colorectal polyps. 

01 | Types of Polyps

There are various types of colorectal polyps, which include:

• Adenomatous – this is the most common type, accounting for about two-thirds of all polyps. Only a small percentage become cancerous; however, nearly all malignant polyps are adenomatous.
• Serrated – depending on size and location, serrated polyps can become cancerous. Larger serrated polyps, typically flat (sessile), are difficult to detect and located in the upper colon, and these are precancerous polyps.
• Inflammatory – these polyps typically result from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The polyps are not a significant threat; however, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase your overall risk of developing colon cancer.

02 | Symptoms

In many cases, no symptoms occur and colorectal polyps are discovered during a routine colon cancer screening exam. If symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits
• Pain, nausea or vomiting

03 | Diagnosis and Treatment

Routine colon cancer testing is recommended for everyone between the ages of 50 and 75. Those with a higher risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, may need to be tested earlier. Testing may include:

• Colonoscopy
• Stool tests (FIT & FOBT)
• CT colonography

In most cases, your medical provider will remove all polyps discovered during a colonoscopy. The polyp(s) will then be examined under a microscope to determine which type of polyp it is and if any cancer cells are present. If larger polyps are found, laparoscopic surgery may be required to remove them. 

04 | Prevention

Lifestyle changes are an important step in preventing colorectal polyps. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in fat, as well as limiting alcohol will decrease your risk for developing polyps. Tobacco should be avoided and the use of alcohol should be limited. You should keep active and maintain a healthy body weight, and routine cancer screening is essential. 

For more information on colorectal cancer, please visit: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/  

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References

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/basics/definition/con-20031957 

http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/tc/colon-polyps-topic-overview#1