What
Are Polyps?
Polyps
are abnormal growths arising from the
lining of the large intestine (colon
and rectum). Some polyps are flat; others
have stalks. The cause of polyps is unknown.
Polyps
are one of the most common conditions
affecting the colon and rectum.
They occur in 15 to 20 percent
of the adult population. Although
most polyps are benign, most colon
cancer starts in benign polyps.
Some polyps are the precursors
of colon cancer.
What
Are The Symptoms Of Polyps?
Most
polyps produce no symptoms and are found
only during routine examination of the
bowel. Some polyps, however, can produce
bleeding, mucous discharge, change in
bowel habits, or, in rare cases, abdominal
pain.
How
Are Polyps Diagnosed?
Polyps
are diagnosed by either directly looking
at the colon lining through an endoscope
(an instrument used to examine the lining
of the intestine) or indirectly by x-ray.
If an x-ray is taken, it is preceded
by a barium enema to coat the colon lining.
There are three types of direct colorectal
examination:
- Rigid
sigmoidoscopy--used to examine
the lower six to eight inches
of the large intestine.
- Flexible
sigmoidoscopy--used to examine
the lower one-fourth to one-third
of the colon.
- Colonoscopy--used
to examine the entire colon.
This exam requires bowel preparation
and sedation is often used.
If
one polyp is found, the lower colon is
inspected because there is at least a
30 percent chance of finding additional
polyps.
Although
checking the stool for occult (microscopic)
blood is an important test for
colon and rectal disorders, a negative
test does NOT rule out the presence
of a polyp or a cancer.
Do
Polyps Need To Be Treated?
All
polyps should be removed since there
is no foolproof way of predicting whether
or not a polyp is or will become a cancer.
The vast majority of polyps can be removed
painlessly by snaring them with a wire
loop passed through the colonoscope.
Small polyps can be destroyed simply
by touching them with a coagulating electrical
current.
Most
colonoscopies and resultant polyp
removal can be done with minimal
discomfort on an outpatient basis.
Large polyps may require more than
one treatment for complete removal.
Some polyps cannot be removed using
the endoscope because of their
size or position; surgery is then
required. All polyps are examined
under the microscope to detect
any evidence of cancer. Your doctor
will notify you of your biopsy
results and recommend follow-up,
depending on the number of polyps
found and your family history.
Can
Polyps Recur?
Once
a polyp is completely removed, it rarely
reappears in the same place. However,
the conditions favorable to polyp growth
are still present and can lead to the
growth of new polyps. In fact, almost
a third of those people who had polyps
will develop new polyps. Patients need
to have regular follow-up examinations. |
