CONDITION
Colon Polyps
What are Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are abnormal growths on the inside of your colon and can be found with a colonoscopy, a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a light and camera on its tip to look inside your body. Colon polyps can lead to colorectal cancer if they aren’t removed. The risk of colorectal cancer is much higher in people who have inherited mutations in genes called APC or KRAS, but even if you don’t have these genetic mutations, it’s possible to develop them later in life because of lifestyle choices like diet and exercise habits.
Colon polyps may not cause any symptoms but must be removed in order to prevent cancer from developing; there are no medical reasons why you should delay getting screened once you reach age 50
Ways to Remove Colon Polyps
Polyps must be removed to prevent cancer
If you have a polyp, it’s important to get it removed. Polyps can develop into cancer if they aren’t treated. The best time to remove a polyp is when it’s still small, so that your doctor can see what kind of cells are growing on the surface of your colon and decide whether to remove them or not.
The most common method for removing polyps is by using a colonoscopy machine, which looks at your entire digestive tract from mouth to anus (butts!). Other methods include doing surgery or using electrical currents (electrocautery). These methods are more complicated than using a colonoscope because they aren’t as precise, but they’re also less risky since there’s no chance that an infection will form after surgery since there’s no wound created in the body!
- Get a test to check as soon as possible.
- Do not self medicate .
Risk Factors for Colon Ulcer
If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or you’re in a high-risk group, you should begin regular screenings earlier than age 45.
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for people who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
You may also be at increased risk if you:
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
as this increases the risk of developing other cancers including lymphoma and liver cancer.
How Do I Know If I Have Colon Polyps
Colonoscopy is the primary method of screening for polyps and colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy is the primary method of screening for polyps and colorectal cancer.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on its tip into your rectum to allow him or her to see the inside of your colon. By looking at this image, the doctor can remove any suspicious growths (polyps) from inside your colon without needing to do surgery.
The procedure is normally done with local anesthesia—the use of medicine that numbs an area of the body but does not put you to sleep—so it should be painless unless you have other problems or conditions such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The doctor will ask you to take antibiotics before having a colonoscopy so they can be taken up by any bacteria that might cause an infection in your intestines; these medicines may make it difficult for you to urinate while they’re working within your system but are not long lasting once they’re finished being absorbed into your bloodstream.
Some symptoms of colon polyps may include:
- Bleeding from your rectum
- Blood in your stool
- Feeling tired easily
Colon polyps can be dangerous but they don’t need to be scary.
Colon polyps are small growths on the lining of your colon. They can be non-cancerous or cancerous. Colon polyps usually don’t cause any symptoms, but they can lead to cancer in some cases. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer and you’re over 50 years old or have other risk factors for colorectal cancer, you should talk with your doctor about getting screened for colon polyps with a colonoscopy every year starting at age 40.
The good news is that most people who get colon polyps don’t develop any health problems from them—it’s only when they turn into cancer that there’s an issue. But if you do need surgery because of a large polyp or polyp that has grown into nearby tissues (like another organ), there are ways to reduce your chances for complications after surgery by following these tips:
- Getting plenty of liquids, especially beverages with sorbitol—like prune juice—which can alleviate constipation by softening your stool
- Avoiding high-fiber foods or taking any over-the-counter fiber supplements)
- Not drinking any alcohol
Colon Polyps Prevention
- Eating less red meat and more intake of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid smoking and stress.
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Exercise regularly
Conclusion
If you are experiencing symptoms that might be due to polyps or colorectal cancer, make an appointment with your doctor. If you aren’t sure whether you should go in for a colonoscopy, talk to your doctor about what would be best for your situation. Colon polyps can be dangerous but they don’t need to be scary.
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