Can Colon Polyps be Prevented?

Can Colon Polyps be Prevented?

Oftentimes completely painless and asymptomatic, colon polyps are noncancerous growths that occur throughout the lower digestive tract and usually end up being completely harmless. However, they are still a reason for concern, because, if left untreated, some colon polyps can develop into cancerous growths. Moreover, even noncancerous polyps can eventually lead to pain and bothersome symptoms if they grow too large. Therefore, it is important for everyone — especially patients over the age of 50 or with certain risk factors – to learn about colon polyps and how they can be treated or prevented.

First off, to answer the question posed in the title of this article, many colon polyps can be prevented. The primary risk factors for developing a colon polyp include age, genetic factors, inflammatory bowel diseases, tobacco use, alcohol use, and type 2 diabetes. By eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and fiber, many inflammatory bowel diseases, along with most cases of type 2 diabetes, can be avoided. And controlling your alcohol and tobacco and take can further reduce your risk.

However, you will also notice that your age and genetic factors are not so easily controllable. People over the age of 50, people with a family history of colon polyps, people with certain genetic problems, and people of African American descent are all at an increased risk of developing colon polyps. Even if you live a very healthy lifestyle, you should still be aware of this issue — especially as you advance in age.

Regular checkups with your doctor are crucial. After all, most colon polyps do not cause any symptoms. Though bleeding, changes in stool color, changes in bowel movements, pain, nausea, vomiting, and iron deficiency are all potential reactions to this issue, there is no guarantee that your body will alert you to colon issues before a problem has become serious.

Now for some good news: colon screenings are normally fairly straightforward and painless. The most famous option is colonoscopy, however you should know that these are only performed once every 10 years in most cases. You may occasionally need less invasive options such as a virtual colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, though, especially if you have multiple risk factors for colon cancer. These screening options are not always exceedingly popular with patients; however, they are crucial to preventing and treating cancer and an optimal time frame.

If your doctor does happen to find a colon polyp during an examination, the odds are good that he or she can simply remove the polyp immediately as a part of the procedure without any further complications. You may not even realize that this has happened until your doctor tells you so! In the event that a colon polyp has grown especially large or has become cancerous, your doctor will probably schedule surgery or another treatment plan on another day.

If you have had colon polyps diagnosed, treated, and removed, your doctors may make a few recommendations or treatment plans for the future. For example, your doctor may suggest that you receive colon cancer screening at more regular intervals in the future, or that you make a few lifestyle changes in order to reduce your risk of experiencing further colon-related problems in the future.

If you are concerned about your colon health, if you are due for a colonoscopy, or if you have been diagnosed with problems such as colon polyps and would like to receive a second opinion, we encourage you to visit Surgical Specialist of Long Island online for more information and a chance to make an appointment today!

Colon Polyps and What to Do About Them

colon-polyps-and-what-to-do-about-them

Colon Polyps and What to Do About Them

 

The division of cells in your body is a natural and constant process. As your cells die, your body races to replace them. However, sometimes your body continues to create cells in places where new cells aren’t yet needed. As the cells build up, they will become abnormal growths. It is under these circumstances that colon polyps–clusters of cells in the lining of colon–form.

Types of polyps

There are three types of polyps that are mostly likely to be found in your colon, and they can indicate different things about your health.

  • Adenomatous polyps are the most common polyps to be found in the lining of the colon. They are also the most likely to be malignant, but the chances of that happening are small.
  • Serrated polyps can have different significance depending on their shape and location. Larger, flat polyps located in the upper colon, which are harder for doctors to find, are precancerous. However, serrated polyps found in the lower colon are rarely malignant.
  • Inflammatory polyps are the result of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and are not malignant, but the diseases that cause these polyps can cause cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are traits that can make a certain person more likely to develop colon polyps. In general, adults are more likely to develop polyps if they are 50 years old, or older. It has been found that if a member of your immediate family has colon polyps, your chances of developing polyps will significantly increase. Those who make unhealthy choices such as excessive drinking, smoking, or eating excessive amounts of red meat will also be more likely to have polyps.

Symptoms

As colon polyps are not something you can see externally, you should be on the lookout for the symptoms. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are all common symptoms of colon polyps, but as they are symptoms of many other issues, they may be indicative of something else. This isn’t to say you should ignore them. If colon polyps bleed slowly over time, the bleeding can cause your iron levels to become low, which leads to anemia. Rectal bleeding is another symptom of the polyps, but it can also be the result of a tear in tissue. A change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea is another symptom, so as common as it can be, it should not be ignored.

Appointment Prep

You don’t want to find out that you have colon polyps from the symptoms. If the polyps are discovered and removed early enough, there will be no symptoms at all. However, if you do have symptoms make sure that you’ve identified them so that when you meet with a doctor, you can give them as much information as possible. You should also write down any question you have beforehand so that you don’t forget when it comes time to ask your doctor.

Further Action

If your doctor believes that you may have colon polyps, they’ll want to screen you for them. This could come on the form of a colonoscopy, but others procedures are also available depending on what your doctor sees fit. For example, adenomatous polyps can be found with a sigmoidoscopy, but all other types require a colonoscopy or something else similar. Polyps should be removed as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

You’re better off safe than sorry. Polyps can exist in the lining of your colon for a decade before coming cancerous, but that doesn’t mean you should leave them there until it is too late. A recommended screening can save your life, so you should put it off. We of Surgical Specialist of Long Island will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you make an appointment. Visit our website today to learn more.