Maintaining good colorectal health is crucial because it affects your overall health and quality of life. When it comes to colorectal health, polyps are a common reason for concern. Colorectal polyps are abnormal growths that can develop in the lining of the colon or rectum. The course of action and the outcome are dependent on numerous aspects, including the type of polyp(s), their size, location, quantity, family history, pathology, and the age of detection, among many others. Not all of them are cancerous, but a small number of them can progress to that stage. So, we need to talk about this right away.
Colorectal polyps
Polyps that develop on the lining of the colon or rectum are known as colorectal polyps. They can range in size from being very little and barely perceptible to being much larger and more obvious. In most cases, polyps are not harmful and can be safely ignored. Nevertheless, if not addressed, certain polyps may progress to colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Polyp: Causes And Risk Factors
Colorectal polyps have an unknown exact cause; however, there are some things that can put patients at a higher risk of getting them. Some examples are:
- Having polyps becomes more likely as you get older, especially once you hit 50.
- Those who have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps are more likely to get the disease.
- Certain polyps are more likely to develop in people with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Polyp development is more likely in people whose diets are heavy in red meat, low in fiber, and vegetable and fruit deficient.
- Colorectal polyps are more likely to occur in people who smoke and drink excessively.
- The formation of polyps is associated with being overweight or obese.
Types of polyps found in the colon
A variety of colorectal polyps exist, each with its own set of symptoms and dangers, such as:
- Adenomatous polyps
- Hyperplastic polyps
- Inflammatory polyps
- Sessile serrated
- Villous adenoma
Colon Polyp: Sign and Symptoms
Screening is advised since colon polyps typically do not manifest symptoms because they develop quietly. Nevertheless, there are instances where the patient could see symptoms like:
- Stool containing blood
- Alteration to the regularity of bowel movements
- Problems with bowel movements that last more than a week
- Mysterious iron shortage loss of weight or anemia
- Infrequent stomach discomfort
- Rectal hemorrhage, which may manifest in the form of stains on undergarments or toilet paper
Colorectal polyp: detection and diagnosis
In the early stages, colorectal polyps typically do not produce any visible symptoms. People with risk factors or who are above the age of 50 should undergo screenings on a regular basis for this reason. Colon polyps can be detected in several ways by a doctor, such as:
- The colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy procedure
- 3D Colonoscopy
- Ct scan
- Evaluation of the digestive tract
Colorectal polyp: management and therapy
One way to treat colorectal polyps is to remove them via a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that small, benign polyps do not undergo any changes or growth, even if their removal may not be necessary right away. Also, part of the colon may need to be surgically removed if the polyps are big, numerous, or could become malignant.
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If the polyp on your colon is malignant
Once removed, the colon polyps are then transported to a laboratory for further examination. After finding cancerous cells, the next step is to check if the cancer was fully removed and if the margins are cancer-free. If the polyp was successful in removing all of the cancer, the patient may not require any additional treatment.
If the doctor finds cancer cells after removing the polyp, further testing will be performed to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the colon, the lining of the colon, or areas outside the colon. After a patient receives a diagnosis of colon cancer and is counseled on the best course of therapy, the cancer is staged.
Preventing polyps in the colon
Although it is not possible to completely eliminate the chance of getting polyps, you can greatly decrease it by making the following adjustments to your lifestyle:
- Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods.
- Steer clear of processed and greasy meals.
- Participate in frequent physical exercises
- Maintain a healthy weight by consuming a balanced diet and
- Reduce your alcohol consumption and give up smoking
Conclusion
There is a wide range of possible health effects from colorectal polyps, which are quite common growths. If you want to keep your colon healthy, you need to know about the many kinds, what causes them, what factors put you at risk, and how to detect them. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and scheduling routine screenings can greatly improve polyp prevention and colorectal cancer risk reduction.
The keys to a healthier future are early detection and proactive management. Dr. Avadh Pael is among the most renowned and effective gastrointestinal surgeons in Ahmedabad; he can provide you with individualized advice regarding colorectal polyps and other gastrointestinal health concerns.