PRESENTATION OUTLINE
A colon polyp is growths on the inner lining of the colon. The two main types of colon polyps are adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps. Adenomatous polyps have the potential to develop into colon cancer (they normally do not) while hyperplastic colon polyps do not develop into cancer.
Colon polyps affect the colon because some polyps can develop into colon cancer. Colon cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States (about 50,630 deaths).
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- Rectal Bleeding
- Change In Stool Color
- Change In Bowel Habits
- Abdominal Pain
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- (Most often) Many times symptoms do not occur
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- Genetics (direct family member)
- Dietary factors (not eating healthy)
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Personal history
- Age (getting older)
Doctors diagnose people with colon polyps by performing a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is where a gastroenterologist advances a flexible tube with a camera into the patients rectum to where the large bowel (the colon) and small bowel meet (terminal ileum). Once there, the doctor will see if there are any polyps. If there are polyps, the doctor will remove them. The polyps tissue will be sent to a pathologist and determine the type of polyp and determine of it contains a type of cancer.
While most people have a colonoscopy to diagnose colon polyps, there are two other options; a CT colonography or a stool test. The Ct colonagraphy is a virtual colonoscopy where a person takes a CT scan to try help determine if he/she has colon polyps. A stool test looks for DNA or blood in the stool that suggests a likelihood of colon polyps or colon cancer.
Polyps are removed with a snare where a gastroenterologist lassos the polyp. This cuts off the blood flow so a doctor can suction the polyp through a tube or grasp it. Before it is removed, the doctor will cauterize the polyp. If the polyp being removed leaves a large opening, a doctor can clip the hole shut.
The prognosis depends on the type of the colon polyp and whether or not the polyp contains any cancer. If a colon polyp contains cancer the prognosis depends on whether the cancer extends beyond the wall of the colon. A colon polyp without cancer would is removed with forceps or a snare. A colon polyp with cancer requires surgery to remove part of the colon. If the cancer in a colon polyp extends beyond the colon the patient will likely be treated with chemotherapy. If a person has any form of colon polyp a follow up colonoscopy will be recommended by the gastroenterologist. People with hyperplastic colon polyps will need a colonoscopy after ten years while a people with adenomatous colon polyps will need a colonoscopy in five or less years.
There is no perfect way to prevent colon polyps, but some ways to lower the risk of having them include a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. However, if a person has a personal history of colon polyps or a family history of colon cancer it is important to have a colonoscopy as recommended by the gastroenterologist.
