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Colon polyps are small lumps that grow in the lumen of the intestine. Most of them are not serious, but some can develop into colorectal cancer. Therefore, they should be removed during the colonoscopy itself.
Colon polyps – risks and types
Polyps are small nodules that grow inside the organ. They may appear singly or in more than one number. It is estimated that they occur on average in every fourth person over 50, more often in men than in women. People with a family history of FAS (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) are at particular risk. Check-ups in these people should take place at least once a year from the age of 10.
The diagnosis is usually incidental as symptoms are rarely felt. Polyps are detected in 20 to 40% of patients during colonoscopy.
There are neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps, adenomas are the most common among adults.
Colon polyps – symptoms
- blood or mucus in the stool
- changing the rhythm of bowel movements with the simultaneous occurrence of diarrhea or constipation,
- pain in the lower abdomen (women compare it with menstrual pain, men with pain with cystitis).
Prophylactically, it is worth performing a Fecal Occult Blood Cassette test, thanks to the result it is easier to diagnose problems occurring in the colon and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
You can also perform a Dispatch Fecal Calprotectin Test. Its increased concentration may indicate the presence of polyps in the intestine.
Colon polyps – treatment
Treatment of colon polyps is by surgery or surgery. Pharmacological treatment is not used, the only method is to remove them. Some of them can be removed during the colonoscopy procedure.
The device used for this purpose is terminated with forceps, which the doctor can use to remove the polyp painlessly. In such a situation, polyps are numerous and they are removed surgically. After the procedures, each polyp is examined histopathologically to see if it has cancerous cells. After the procedure, the patient should check the condition of his intestines every 2-3 years.
- Healthy intestines. How to do it?
Colon polyps – prevention
There are times when polyps cannot be prevented because they are genetically determined. In most cases, however, an appropriate lifestyle and diet can prevent the disease. It is recommended that:
- systematic physical activity, as it prevents constipation, and thus the residual waste products in the intestines,
- using a diet adapted to the needs of the body, i.e. taking care of the right amount of calories a day. Excessive consumption of fats, sugars, and carbohydrates with a diet low in vegetables and fruits will increase insulin, glucose and fatty acids in the blood. Their increased condition will inhibit apotheosis – the process of removing used or damaged cells from the body. As a consequence, inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia and the formation of bulges – polyps may occur;
- eating fiber, which protects the intestinal mucosa and prevents inflammation.
Prophylactically, it is worth ordering a set of home tests for stomach problems, which includes a fecal occult blood test and a test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria.