Colon polyps

A polyp on the lining of the colon is a tiny cluster of cells. Polyps in the colon are generally harmless. It’s important to note, however, that certain polyps may grow into colon cancer, which can be lethal in its later stages if identified. 

Colon polyps can occur in anyone. The risk of developing colon polyps or colon cancer increases as you age, if you are obese, smoke, or have a family history of the disease. 

Polyps in the colon may not cause any symptoms at all. Colonoscopy is an excellent screening tool because colon polyps can typically be removed safely and completely if they are discovered in the initial stages. Regular polyp screening and removal is the best way to avoid colon cancer. 

Symptoms 

  • Bleeding in the rectal area: This could be an indication that the individual has colon polyps, cancer, or another problem such as hemorrhoids or tiny tears of the anus. 
  • Alteration in the color of the stool: Blood can either appear in your feces as red streaks or make it appear black when it oxidizes. Alterations in skin tone can also be brought on by the consumption of particular foods, drugs, or nutritional supplements. 
  • Alteration in the normal bowel routine: A change in bowel movement that lasts for more than a week, whether it be constipation or diarrhea, may point to the presence of a bigger colon polyp or even cancer. Nevertheless, changes in bowel patterns can be brought on by a variety of other illnesses as well. 
  • Pain: Painful cramping in the abdominal region can be the result of a big colon polyp that partially obstructs the intestine. 
  • Iron deficiency anemia: Polyps can cause bleeding to occur gradually over time, even if there is no obvious sign of blood in the stool. Your body loses the iron that it needs to generate the component that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body when you have persistent bleeding (hemoglobin). The consequence of this is anemia caused by a lack of iron, which can make you feel exhausted and short of breath. 

Risk factors 

  • You’re over the age of 50. 
  • A family history of colon cancer puts you at risk. Regular screening can begin as early as age 40 in some high-risk individuals. 

Types of Colon Polyps 

 The number and size of polyps in the colon might vary. Colon polyps come in three varieties: 

  • Hyperplastic polyps aren’t cancerous and aren’t harmful to health. 
  • Adenomatous polyps are the most prevalent. 
  • Malignant polyps are polyps that, when looked at under a microscope, show that they contain cancer cells, even though most of them will never become cancerous. 

What causes polyps in the intestines? 

No one knows for sure what causes polyps in the colon, but it is thought that abnormal growth of tissue plays a role. 

New, healthy cells are constantly being produced by the body to replace damaged or unused ones. In most cases, the rate at which new cells divide and multiply is governed by some external force. 

When new cells aren’t needed, they can grow and divide. Polyps occur as a result of the overabundance of growth. Any part of the colon may be affected by polyps. 

When to see a doctor? 

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Your feces have blood in it 
  • Changes in the way you go to the bathroom that last more than a week 

Don’t wait more than a week to see an OB/GYN if you have any of the following symptoms: 

  • Polyp tests are recommended for those over the age of 50. 
  • It’s possible that you’re at risk for colon cancer because of your family history.  
  • Some high-risk people should be screened much earlier than the age of 50. 

How can polyps in the colon be detected? 

It is possible to detect polyps using a variety of assays. A sampling of these tests: 

  • The anus is threaded with a camera and flexible tube during this surgery. The rectum and colon can now be seen clearly by your doctor. It is possible for your doctor to remove a polyp or obtain tissue samples for further study if it is discovered. 
  • Colonoscopy-like screening can only be done to examine the rectum and lower colon. A biopsy or a sample of tissue cannot be taken with it. Your doctor will likely recommend having a colonoscopy to remove a polyp if one is found. 
  • Barium Enema: A specific X-ray is used to obtain photographs of the inside of your colon after your doctor injects liquid barium into your rectum. As a result of the barium, your colon appears to be completely white in photographs. Polyps are easy to spot because they contrast well with the white of the water. 
  • The use of computed tomography in colonoscopy: Images of the colon and rectum are created using a CT (Computerized Tomography) scan in this process. Using the data from the scan, a computer constructs two-and three-dimensional models of the colon and rectum. An X-ray colonoscopy, or CT colonoscopy, is another name for this procedure.

There are many different digestive health issues. Our gastroenterologists and other experts use cutting-edge diagnostic tests to figure out what’s causing your symptoms and give you treatments that have been shown to help.

Here are the services provided at Doral Health and Wellness 

  • Colonoscopy
  • Colon Cancer Screening
  • Celiac Disease Treatment
  • Sigmoidoscopy 
  • Endoscopy

At Doral Health and Wellness, we have doctors that can help you manage your condition. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-868-1016. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.