Colon polyps
Colon polyps are abnormal tissue growths that develop within the large intestine, often referred to as colorectal polyps. While most polyps are benign, some have the potential to progress to colorectal cancer. Individuals over the age of fifty, as well as those with a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer, are at increased risk for developing these growths. Other factors such as inflammatory bowel diseases, genetic mutations, diet, and lifestyle choices also contribute to the likelihood of polyp formation.
There are three primary types of colon polyps: adenomatous, hyperplastic, and inflammatory, with adenomatous polyps being the most concerning as they can become cancerous if they exceed certain sizes. Symptoms may be minimal or absent, but larger polyps can lead to issues like changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding. Regular screening is crucial, particularly for those over fifty, with recommendations for colonoscopies every ten years. Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which may help reduce the risk of developing colon polyps.
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Subject Terms
Colon polyps
ALSO KNOWN AS: Colorectal polyps
RELATED CONDITIONS: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Gardner syndrome, colon cancer
DEFINITION: Colon polyps are extra clumps of tissue that grow inside the large intestine. Most polyps are benign, but some can turn into cancer.
Risk factors: People older than fifty and those with a family or personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer are more likely to develop these growths. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease increase a person’s risk of polyps. Genetic mutations play a role in a small number of colon polyp cases.
A high-fat diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, excess weight, and a lack of exercise have also been linked to an increased risk for colon polyps. Several genetic disorders can cause polyps—Gardner syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Turcot syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Etiology and the disease process: Polyps are caused by abnormal cell growth. They may be smaller than a pebble or larger than a golf ball. Some are flat, while others have a dome-like shape. The larger the polyp, the more likely it is to become cancerous.
There are three types of colon polypsadenomatous, hyperplastic, and inflammatory. Adenomatous polyps may become cancer if they grow larger than a quarter inch wide. Hyperplastic polyps are rarely cancerous. Inflammatory polyps may develop after a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease.
Incidence: Around 20 percent of all adults and around 40 percent of individuals over fifty experience colon polyps. Colon polyps afflict more men than women. Around 6 percent of children develop colon polyps. Around 80 percent of colon polyps are adenomatous polyps. Though common, only around 5 percent of adenomatous polyps become malignant. Individuals are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer if they have certain polyps—larger than ten millimeters on the right side of the colon, serrated lesions, tubuvillous adenomas, or more than three in number.
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms. However, some polyps, particularly larger ones, can cause constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, or crampy abdominal pain.
Screening and diagnosis: A doctor may feel a rectal polyp during a rectal exam, but a physical exam is usually normal. Other tests for polyps include barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Cancer experts recommend that persons age fifty and older at normal risk be screened every ten years with a colonoscopy. Alternatively, screening with sigmoidoscopy or barium enema may be done every five years. People at increased risk for polyps may need screenings more often.
Treatment and therapy:Colorectal polyp removal can be performed through abdominal surgery or during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. A biopsy of the polyp determines if it is cancerous.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and foods high in calcium and folate may reduce the risk of colon polyps. Other forms of prevention include regular exercise, losing excess weight, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking.
Bibliography
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