COLON POLYPS

(Colorectal Polyps)

 Basic information

description

• Colon polyps are slow growing, fleshy growths on the lining of the colon (large intestine). Many adults, especially over age 40, have them. Most polyps (90%) are considered benign (harmless or noncancerous). A less common type of polyp may lead to cancer. The only way to find out if you have polyps and what type they are is with medical testing.
• Features of polyps:
  • A person may have just one polyp or several.
  • Most are small. They may range in size from smaller than a pea to golf ball size.
  • A polyp is called pedunculated if it grows on a stalk (like a mushroom). A flat-shaped polyp is called sessile.
  • Hyperplastic is the name for the benign type of polyp.
  • Adenomas (or adenomatous) polyp is the type that may lead to cancers. Larger polyps increase the risk.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Most polyps cause no symptoms.
• If symptoms occur, they may include rectal bleeding, constipation or diarrhea, or decreased or bloody stools.

causes

It is unknown why colon polyps develop. Dietary, environmental, and genetic factors may play a role.

risk increases with

• Age (starting at around 40).
• Your own history or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.
• Polyposis syndromes. These are rare, usually inherited disorders. Many polyps occur (hundreds to thousands). These patients will require special medical care.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• There are no known specific preventive measures.
• Some self-care methods may help with prevention
  • Eat a low fat, high fiber diet.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Avoid smoking and excess alcohol use.
  • Ask your health care provider about taking calcium, folate, aspirin, or other supplements to aid prevention.

expected outcomes

Almost all colon polyps are benign and should cause no problems (even when not removed). Polyps can be removed safely. New polyps develop in about 30% of people who had them removed.

possible complications

• Polyps may cause bleeding, obstruction, or diarrhea.
• Colon cancer may develop.
• Rarely, a procedure to remove polyps can cause bleeding or perforation (a hole in the colon).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Get tested for colon polyps if you: are age 50 or older, have symptoms, or have a family history of polyps or cancer. The following screening tests may be done:
  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)—a lab test to find blood in the stool. If blood is found, more tests are needed to find the cause (e.g., polyps).
  • Barium enema—a liquid called barium is placed in the rectum. X-rays are taken of the large intestine. This test can detect polyps, but it cannot remove them.
  • Colonoscopy—a lighted tube that has a camera on the end is used to see inside the entire length of colon. If a polyp is found, it is often removed (a polypectomy). Small polyps may be left as they carry very little risk of cancer. A biopsy (viewing the polyp tissue with a microscope) determines if it is benign (most likely), precancer, or cancer. Rarely, open surgery may be needed to remove large or multiple polyps.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy—similar to a colonoscopy. It views just the rectum and lower end of the colon. If a polyp is found, it can be removed and biopsied. A follow-up colonoscopy is usually needed to look for and remove any polyps in the rest of the colon.
  • Virtual colonoscopy—a screening test that uses a CT scan (or MRI) to view the colon. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy is needed.
• Further treatment and plans for future screening tests depend on the results of the completed tests. Your health care provider will discuss the options with you.

medications

Drugs to help you relax are used for some tests.

activity

You will be advised about any limits on your activities.

diet

No special diet, unless instructed.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of polyps.
• You develop new symptoms after a test for polyps or after polyps are removed.

Special Notes: