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Not all neoplasms in the body are malignant and pose a direct threat to life. However, even benign forms are a direct deviation from physiology and can interfere with the normal functioning of the body.
Additionally, there is a risk that a benign form, under certain circumstances, will degenerate into a malignant one.
A fairly common neoplasm that appears in hollow organs is a polyp. At its core, it is a small, benign tumor, which, with its base, is attached to the intestinal wall. Due to this, the intestine protrudes into the abdominal cavity. Pathology can develop with a combination of adverse factors or be inherited.
Reasons for the formation of polyps
At the moment, the true causes of the formation of polyps have not yet been established. There are several most likely theories, but none of them have received practical confirmation at the moment. Some experts in this field believe that a benign neoplasm is an intermediate stage in the development of cancer. As soon as the inflammatory process begins in the organ, the degeneration of neoplasm cells into a malignant form is activated.
There is a disregenerative theory. According to it, neoplasms form at the site of damage to the intestinal walls – the regeneration process becomes too active and due to this, a seal forms, which eventually turns into a visible polyp. According to another version, polyps are malformations of embryonic development.
Symptoms of pathology
In most cases, a person who has polyps in the rectum or colon does not feel direct signs of pathology. For this reason, the disease is detected already in a neglected form or when complications occur. Any violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract is an occasion to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.
With polyposis, patients have defecation disorders, blood and mucus may be present in the feces, abdominal pain, nausea, discomfort, and frequent urge to empty.
Types of polyps
Pathology affects patients of different ages. And if an adult can notice a deterioration in well-being in time, then the responsibility for the health of children lies entirely with the parents. It is important to closely monitor changes in the child’s digestion and, at the slightest sign of the development of the disease, seek the advice of a specialist. Young children and adolescents can develop juvenile polyps – these neoplasms are almost completely safe and disappear without a trace without treatment, but it is important to control the course of the disease.
All polyps that can develop in the intestine are divided into four main classes:
- juvenile – neoplasms on the mucous membrane of the rectum, developing in children;
- adenomatous or glandular – have a rounded shape (with growth up to 2 cm, there is a possibility of degeneration into cancer);
- hyperplastic – small neoplasms that are not characterized by rapid growth or malignancy;
- villous – the most dangerous type of polyps (in 90% of cases, the transformation of neoplasm cells into a malignant form is noted).
Diagnostic features
The most accurate research method to detect the development of polyps in the intestine is colonoscopy. A flexible probe is inserted into the intestine through the anus, at its end there is a miniature camera that allows the specialist to assess the condition of the walls. An important advantage of the technique is that neoplasms can be immediately removed during the examination, as well as internal bleeding can be stopped. The procedure is performed by an endoscopist or proctologist in a specially equipped room.
Another method of examination that allows you to fully visualize the intestines is magnetic resonance imaging. Also, the patient may be prescribed x-rays using a barium-based contrast enhancer.
If neoplasms in the rectum are suspected, a specialist can issue a referral for sigmoidoscopy or perform an examination of this part of the intestine by palpation.
Methods of therapy
Medical treatment of polyps is not effective. Neoplasms are removed exclusively by surgery. There are several options for applied radical treatment. The choice of method depends on the final diagnosis, general condition and localization of tumors. A prerequisite is that the neoplasm cell body is sent for research in order to establish its nature.
The decision on the need for surgical removal of neoplasms is made by the attending specialist. It should be understood that only youthful polyps disappear on their own – all the rest tend to grow or be reborn.
In some cases, the doctor can simply observe the dynamics of the development of growths, recommending a special diet to the patient. If there is no proliferation of neoplasm cells, then the operation may be postponed indefinitely.
The most popular methods for removing intestinal polyps are gastroscopy or colotomy. If the pathology of all parts of the intestine is diagnosed or the neoplasm is large, abdominal surgery will be appropriate.
Features of the rehabilitation period
After the procedure, the patient remains under medical supervision for at least 72 hours. Even if the removal was performed by the gastroscopic method, there is a risk of bleeding. In addition, during the operation, damage to the integrity of the intestinal walls is not ruled out. Accidental perforation may be diagnosed during the rehabilitation period.
Approximately 15% of patients experience re-growth of polyps in the first two years after surgery. In order to timely diagnose the recurrence of pathology, it is recommended to undergo an examination of the intestine every 4 months.
An important component of the success of therapy is a therapeutic diet during the recovery period. The patient must strictly comply with all the instructions of the specialist, any violation can cause complications.