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| Colon Polyp |
 |
| What Is a Colon Polyp? |
| Polyps are benign growths involving the lining of the bowel (noncancerous
tumors or neoplasms). They can occur in several locations in the
gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary
in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in
diameter. They look like small bumps growing from the lining of the
bowel and protruding into the lumen (bowel cavity). They sometimes
grow on a "stalk" and look like mushrooms. Many patients
have several polyps scattered in different parts of the colon. |
| How Common Are Colon Polyps?What Causes Them? |
| Polyps are very common in adults, who have an increased chance of acquiring
them as they age. While quite rare in 20-year-olds, it's estimated
that the average
60-year-old without special risk factors for polyps has a 25 percent chance of
having a polyp. We don't know what causes polyps. Some experts believe a high-fat,
low-fiber diet can be a predisposition to polyp formation. There may be a genetic
risk to develop polyps as well. |
| What Are Known Risks for Developing Polyps? |
| The biggest risk factor for developing polyps is being older than
50. A family history of colon polyps or colon cancer increases the
risk of polyps. Also, patients
with a personal history of polyps or colon cancer are at risk of developing new
polyps. In addition, there are some rare polyp or cancer syndromes that run in
families and increase the risk of polyps occurring at younger ages. Is Your Doctor an A! |
| Are There Different Types of Polyps? |
| There are two common types: hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. The hyperplastic polyp is not at risk cancer and, therefore, is not as significant. The adenoma, however, is thought to be the precursor (origin) for almost all colon cancers, although most adenomas never become cancers. A biopsy (or small piece of removed tissue)is the only way to differentiate between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps. Although it's impossible to tell which adenomatous polyps will become cancers, larger polyps are more likely to become cancers and some of the largest ones (those larger than 1 inch) can already contain small areas of cancer. Because your doctor cannot be certain of the tissue type by the polyp's appearance, doctors generally recommend removing all but the smallest polyps. |
| How Are Polyps Found? |
| Most polyps cause no symptoms. Larger ones can cause blood in the
stools, but even they are usually asymptomatic. Therefore, the best
way to detect polyps is by screening individuals with no symptoms.
Several other screening techniques are available: testing stool specimens
for traces of blood, performing sigmoidoscopy to look into the lower
third of the colon, or using a radiology test such as a barium enema.
If one of these tests finds or suspects polyps, your doctor will generally
recommend colonoscopy to remove them. Because colonoscopy is the most
accurate way to detect polyps, many experts now recommend colonoscopy
as a screening method so that any polyps found or suspected can be
removed during the same procedure. Ask! |
| How Are Polyps Removed? |
| Most polyps found during colonoscopy can be completely removed during the procedure. Various removal techniques are available; most involve severing them with a wire loop and/or burning the polyp base with an electric current. This is called polyp resection. Because the bowel's lining isn't sensitive to cutting or burning, polyp resection doesn't cause discomfort. Resected polyps are then jl&mined under a microscope to determine the tissue type Jand to detect any cancer. |
| What Are the Risks of Polyp Removal? |
| Polyp removal (or polypectomy) during colonoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure. Possible complications, which are uncommon, include bleeding from the polypectomy site and perforation (a hole) of the colon. Bleeding from the polypectomy site can be immediate or delayed for several days; persistent bleeding can almost always be stopped by treatment during colonoscopy Perforations usually require surgery to repair. |
| How Often Do I Need Colonoscopy if I Have Polyps Removed? |
| Your doctor will decide when your next colonoscopy is necessary.
The timing depends on several factors, including the number and size
of polyps removed, the polyps'
tissue type and the quality of the colon cleansing for your previous procedure.
The quality of cleansing affects your doctor's ability to see the surface of
the colon. If the polyps were small and the entire colon was well seen during
your colonoscopy, doctors generally recommend a repeat colonoscopy in three years.
If your repeat colon- oscopy doesn't show any indication of polyps, you might
not need another procedure for an additional five years. However, if the polyps were large and flat, your doctor might recommend an interval of only months before a repeat colonoscopy to assure complete polyp removal. Your doctor will discuss those options with you. Important Reminder: The preceding information is intended only to provide general guidance and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. |
| Important Reminder: The preceding information is intended only to provide general guidance and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. |