Colonoscopy is a modern-day test to detect any changes, such as swollen, damaged tissues, polyp or cancer in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. For this article, we will restrict our focus to only polyps. Colon polyps are common and usually harmless. However, some may turn cancerous over time. Hence, it is important to understand colon polyps, symptoms, treatment and when they are too alarming to ignore.
Colon polyps are mostly asymptomatic. However, they may cause fatigue, chronic diarrhea or constipation and rectal bleeding. If any of these problems persists longer than a week, you should report to your doctor. If detected earlier, colon cancer is easier to treat at cancer hospitals in Kolkata. Hence, if you experience any such problem, keep an eye if it goes away in a few days or lingers.
What are Colon Polyps?
Polyps are small, fleshy growths on mucous membranes. These can form in ear canal, nose, vocal folds, sinuses, stomach, colon, rectum, cervix and uterus. They may grow like mushrooms or look as flat as a decal. They can be as small as a pinhead and grow to look like a golf ball. These growths are more likely to develop in those with a family history of certain genetic conditions or polyps.
Colon polyps are often diagnosed during a colonoscopy. This test is a gold standard to detect colon cancer and precancerous abnormalities. Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure. A physician inserts a thin, flexible tube with a light and lens at its head through the anus into the patient’s rectum and colon. This tube is called colonoscope. The physician also uses a scrapping tool to remove polyps that are sent to a lab for biopsy.
What Causes Colon Polyps?
Some factors increase the risk of developing colon polyps. However, other factors are still unknown. Knowing the risk factors will help you adopt preventive measures and reduce the chance of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.
Ø Aged older than 45
Ø A history of being diagnosed with colorectal polyps or cancer
Ø Having a family history of colon cancer or polyps
Ø Having a history of radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal area for cancer treatment
Ø History of tobacco use
Ø Type 2 diabetes
Ø Being obese or overweight
Ø Certain genetic conditions
Ø Having inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease)
Ø Irritation or inflammation from a foreign object
People, who don’t have any of these risk factors, may also develop polyps. As polyps usually don’t cause any symptom, regular check-up is recommended for detection. In addition to colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds and X-rays are also useful in detecting colon polyps.
When You Should Be Concerned about Colon Polyps?
Size is a factor when it comes to associating colon polyps and cancer risk. Polyps bigger than 10 millimetres are more worrying than anything smaller.
Not all colon polyps are cancerous or become cancerous over time. Sometimes, colon cancers start as polyps. Hence, the greater the number, the higher your colorectal cancer risk. According to the physicians at the best oncology hospital in Kolkata, people with 1-2 small polyps are at a lower risk of developing or having cancer than those with 3-9 or more polyps.