Table of Contents
“Although not all colon polyps are malignant, every colon cancer starts out as a polyp, so everyone should be aware of them and get regular screenings for them,” says Fola May, MD, director of Fight Colorectal Cancer and a gastroenterologist. Associate Professor of Medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. “And colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined.”
Aha! We’re listening, all right. However, what exactly are polyps? Growths known as colon polyps can develop on the inner lining of the colon, or rectum, which is the last six inches of the gastrointestinal tract before the body expels solid waste. Polyps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, smooth bumps to large, mushroom-shaped growths.
According to an estimate, 15% to 40% of people have polyps, and those who typically have multiples of them “Dr. May.”
Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) polyps are possible. Only a small percentage of polyps develop into cancer, and when they do, it takes years for them to do so.
An important point? Dr. According to Mays, “Early polyps often look like tiny pimples—so tiny that you don’t even know you have one.” “You probably won’t feel symptoms or see signs of a polyp,” explains Dr. May. The majority of polyps and early-stage colorectal malignancies exhibit no visible or palpable signs. Colonoscopy is the only method to identify and remove polyps, so it is important to start regular cancer screening at age 45.
“Since it’s difficult to tell during a colonoscopy which polyps have the potential to become cancerous, the goal of the procedure is to remove all of them,” she says.
What to Know About Colorectal Cancer Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Types of colon polyps
There are three types of polyps:
- Adenomatous : the most common type of polyp, is most likely to become cancerous. Depending on the style of polyp development, they can be classified as tubular, villous or tubulovillous polyps.
- Inflammatory and hyperplastic polyps : are prevalent, however they are usually not malignant. If your colon is very large, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy more often than usual, every ten years.
- Sessile serrated polyps and conventional serrated adenomas : have an increased likelihood of malignancy. Polyps that are sessile are broad and flat, while those that are serrated look like “saw-tooth” structures.
Symptoms of colon polyps
Dr. May notes that most people don’t have any symptoms when they have polyps, especially in the early stages, but as they get bigger, they may develop some symptoms. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they could be colon polyps, colorectal cancer, or other gastrointestinal problems.
Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
It might be bleeding from an inflamed polyp if you notice bright red blood in your waste, in the toilet after you defecate, or on the toilet paper after you wipe. The most typical sign of more substantial colon polyps is this one.
Anemia
Polyps may bleed, especially if they are large. Anemia, or a decrease in the number of red blood cells, can develop over time because of this blood loss. You may feel tired or a simple blood test can show your doctor.
New diarrhea or constipation
Dr. According to May, any new change in bowel movements that lasts more than a week should be taken seriously. These may manifest as constipation, diarrhea or changes in the form and consistency of stool. “Pencil-shaped stool—long, narrow stools—is a symptom of colorectal cancer, especially if it occurs suddenly,” she explains.
Unexplained weight loss
A tell-tale sign that colon polyps have developed into late-stage colorectal cancer is inability to lose weight on your own. They can cause unimaginable weight loss as adults because they can hinder the colon’s ability to absorb nutrients.
20 Reasons Unexpected Weight Loss Could Be a Serious Problem
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Although there are many possible explanations for this symptom on its own, you may also suspect colon polyps if you have persistent abdominal discomfort or cramping in addition to the other symptoms on this list. This can cause anything from minor pain to excruciating pain.
Fatigue and weakness
Polyp-induced anemia often results in a general sensation of tiredness, fatigue, and weakness. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially rectal bleeding.
read | 10 Signs of Vitamin Deficiencies and How to Treat Them