Colorectal polyps & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What are colorectal polyps?

Colorectal polyps are growths of tissue stemming from the intestinal wall that protrude toward the large intestine or rectum. The size of the polyps can vary and the larger the polyp, the greater the risk of developing cancer or pre-cancer.

Polyps can grow with or without a polyp stem. Polyps that grow without a stem are more likely to develop into cancer than those with a stem. Adenomatous polyps, which are made up of glandular cells that line the inside of the large intestine, tend to develop into cancer (cancerous candidates). Serrated adenoma is an aggressive form of adenoma.

How common are colorectal polyps?

Colorectal polyps are a common disease that can occur at any age. But in many cases, it is generally experienced by people over 50 years of age and have long-term obesity. You can lower your chances of getting this disease by reducing your risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal polyps?

In most cases, colorectal polyps don't show any symptoms. The most common symptom of colorectal polyps is bleeding in the rectal area.

Large colorectal polyps can cause cramping, abdominal pain, or constipation. Large polyps with small finger-like protrusions (villous adenoma) can produce water and salt which causes watery diarrhea resulting in decreased levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia). Sometimes, polyps around the rectum area with a long enough stem will drop down and hang toward the anus.

In the adenomatous polyposis family, there are about 100 or more precancerous polyps that can develop in the colon and rectum during childhood or adolescence. If not treated immediately, polyps will develop into colon cancer or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer) before reaching the age of 40 years. People who have a family with adenomatous polyposis are more likely to develop other complications (formerly called Gardner's syndrome), especially various types of non-cancerous tumors.

Some non-cancerous tumors develop in other areas of the body (for example, on the skin, skull, or jaw). In Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a person has many small polyps in the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. Bluish black spots appear on the sufferer's face, inside the mouth, as well as on the hands and feet. The spots tend to fade as they enter puberty except for those in the mouth. People with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are more at risk of developing cancer in other organs, especially the pancreas, small intestine, colon, breast, lungs, ovaries, and uterus.

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Most colorectal polyps cause no symptoms. You should call your doctor if you have bleeding from the rectum or feel any unusual movements in the intestines. You should see a doctor as soon as possible when the polyp has developed into cancer.

Cause

AWhat causes colorectal polyps?

Genetic mutations can cause cells in the body to continue to renew themselves even when the body doesn't need new cells. In colorectal cases, these mutations can develop into polyps.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for colorectal polyps?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing colorectal polyps are:

Obesity and lack of physical activity
Smoking and consuming alcohol
Have intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Hereditary risks such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Have type 2 diabetes

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for colorectal polyps?

Some of the treatment options for colorectal polyps are:

Colorectal polyps are removed by a colonoscopy procedure using a cutting device or an electric wire loop.
If the polyp does not have a stem or cannot be removed during the colonoscopy, abdominal surgery is likely to be performed.
If a colorectal polyp has developed into cancer, treatment depends on whether the cancer has spread or not. The risk of spread is determined by microscopic examination of polyps. If the risk is low, the patient does not need further treatment. If the risk is high, especially if the cancer has invaded the polyp stem, the colon segment containing the polyp will be removed surgically and the cut end of the intestine will be reattached.
If the rectum is cut, surgery is performed through the abdominal wall of the small intestine (ileostomy). The sewage line will be routed through the ileostomy into a disposable bag.
Several anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are still being studied for their effectiveness in inhibiting polyp growth in people who have family members suffering from adenomatous polyposis.

What are the usual tests for colorectal polyps?

A doctor can feel for colorectal polyps by inserting a finger into the rectum, but usually polyps are found during flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower part of the large intestine with viewing tube).

If polyps are found during flexible sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy is performed to examine the entire colon. A more complete examination is necessary because there is usually more than one polyp.

Colonoscopy also allows the doctor to perform a biopsy (taking a tissue sample to be examined under a microscope) of any area where cancer is present

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat colorectal polyps?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help you treat colorectal polyps include: maintaining a healthy diet by eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains