KNOW ABOUT THIS COLON POLYP

DESCRIPTION 

a colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon.
Most colon polyps are harmless.
But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages.
• There are two main categories of polyps, non neoplastic and neoplastic.
Non-neoplastic polyps include hyper-plastic polyps, inflammatory polyps and hamartomatous polyps. These types of polyps typically do not become
cancerous.
Neoplastic polyps include adenomas and serrated types.
In general, the larger a polyp, the greater the risk of cancer, especially with neoplastic polyps.
• Anyone can develop colon polyps.
You’re at higher risk if you’re 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

CAUSES

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way.
Mutations in certain genes can cause cells to continue dividing even when new cells
aren’t needed.
In the colon and rectum, this unregulated growth can cause polyps to form.
Polyps can develop anywhere in your large intestine.
There are two main categories of polyps,
non-neoplastic and neoplastic.
Non-neoplastic polyps include hyperplastic polyps, inflammatory polyps and
hamartomatous polyps.
Non-neoplastic polyps typically do not
become cancerous.
Inflammatory polyps may be seen with
ulcerative colitis or Cron's disease of the colon.
Although the polyps themselves are not a significant threat, having ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease of the colon increases your overall risk of colon cancer.
Neoplastic polyps include adenomas and serrated types. Most colon polyps are
adenomas.
Serrated polyps may become cancerous, depending on their size and location in the colon.
In general, the larger a polyp, the greater
the risk of cancer, especially with
neoplastic polyps.

SYMPTOM

Colon polyps often cause no symptoms. You might not know you have a polyp until

I’

your doctor finds

it during an examination of

your bowel.

But some people with colon polyps experience:

This can be a sign of colon polyps or cancer or other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or minor tears in your anus.

•Change in stool color
Blood can show up as red streaks in your stool or make stool appear black.
A change in color may also be caused by foods, medications and supplements.

•Change in bowel habits
Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer

than a week may indicate

the presence of a

large colon polyp.
But a number of other conditions can also cause changes in bowel habits.

PAIN

A large colon poiyp can partially obstruct your bowel, leading to crampy abdominal pain.
•Iron deficiency anemia

occur slowly over

Bleedingfrom polyps can time, without visible blood in your stool. Chronic bleeding robs your body ofthe iron needed to produce the substance that allows red blood cells to carryoxygen to your body (hemoglobin).
The result is iron deficiency anemia, which can make you feel tired and short of breath.

PREVENTION

You can greatly reduce your risk of colon polyps and correctional cancer by having regular screenings.

Certain lifestyle changes also can help:
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet and reduce your fat intake.

Limit alcohol consumption and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy body weight.

Studies have shown that
consumption of calcium
recurrence of colon adenomas.
But it isn’t clear whether calcium has any protective benefits against colon cancer.
Other studies have shown that vitamin D may have a protective effect against
correctional cancer.
If you have a family history of colon polyps, consider having genetic counseling. If you’ve been diagnosed with a hereditary disorder that causes colon polyps, you’ll need regular colonoscopies starting in young adulthood.

TREATMENT
Your doctor is likely to remove all polyps discovered during a bowel examination. The options for removal include:
If a polyp is larger than 0.4 inches (about 1 centimeter), a liquid may be injected under it to lift and isolate the polyp from surrounding tissue so that it can be
removed.

Polyps that are too large or that can’t be removed safely during screening are usually removed laparoscopic ally, which is performed by inserting an instrument called a laparoscopic into the bowel.