Colon Polyps
What is it?
Colon polyps are nodular growths on the lining of the colon. Generally, they produce no symptoms and are only discovered when a colonoscopy (use of a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope to examine the colon) is performed. Polyps are common; two out of every three people over age 60 have them. However, 90 percent of colorectal cancers arise from initially benign polyps, and the larger the polyp, the more likely it is to become cancerous. Thus, early detection and treatment are imperative (see Colorectal Cancer for recommendations on early detection screening procedures).
What Causes It?
- The cause of most colon polyps is unknown.
- Chronic inflammation of the colon due to ulcerative colitis may lead to the development of polyps.
- A diet high in fat (especially from red meat) and low in fiber may contribute to polyp formation.
- Hereditary factors may be involved. One disorder, known as familial colonic polyposis, is characterized by the growth of a large number of polyps (as many as 1,000 or more) in the colon. Gardner's syndrome, another hereditary disorder, produces multiple colonic and intestinal polyps as well as nonmalignant tumors in the bones and skin.
- People who have had colon polyps in the past or have a family history of them are at increased risk.
Prevention
- Eat a diet low in animal fat and red meat, but high in fiber.
- Get regular checkups if you have had colon polyps, if members of your family have had colon cancer or polyps, or if you are over age 50. The checkup may include testing of a stool sample for bleeding.
Diagnosis
- A small, lighted viewing tube will be passed through the anus to the lower large intestine (sig-moidoscopy) or to the entire large intestine (colonoscopy) to examine the colon.
- X-rays following a barium enema, which provide a clear image of the colon. This procedure is not as sensitive as a scope in detecting polyps, nor can it differentiate between benign and malignant polyps.
- Blood and stool samples may be taken. Stool samples are examined for hidden (occult) blood.
How to Treat It
- Generally, polyps are removed upon detection during the diagnostic colonoscopy. In a few cases, a small incision (laparotomy) may be made in the abdomen to gain access to a portion of the colon. Surgery may involve removing the polyp and possibly a section of the colon and nearby lymph nodes.
When to Call a Doctor
- Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience symptoms of colon polyps.
- Children in families with a hereditary predisposition toward colon polyps should be screened for colon disorders by age 12.
- All adults over 50 should have a colonoscopy to screen for polyps and colorectal cancer.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.