Polyps

What are Polyps ?

An expansion on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum is referred to as a colon polyp. A polyp can be flat, slightly elevated (known as sessile), or on a stalk and can have a variety of forms (called pedunculated). Adenomas or sessile serrated polyps can eventually grow over time and turn into cancer. There are various tiny forms of polyps (which require a microscope to detect). The chance of developing colorectal cancer can be reduced by having polyps removed and undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

Who Gets Them?

Approximately 30% of those over the age of 45 to 50 have polyps. Colon polyps and colon cancer are risks for both men and women of all ethnicities.

A polyp develops as a result of genetic modifications to the colon lining cells’ cells that alter the normal cell cycle. Numerous factors can raise the likelihood or speed of these changes. Diet, lifestyle, advanced age, gender, and genetic or inherited conditions are all factors. Significant lifestyle variables that increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer

• Smoking.
• A lot of alcohol consumption (drinking too much alcohol).
• Lack of exercise.
• Overweight.
• Consuming too much red meat and processed meals (instead of greens).

What Are The Symptoms?

Screening is advised because the majority of colon polyps and early, treatable colorectal cancer do not show any symptoms. But if symptoms do materialise, they might include:

• Bleeding from the rectum, which can be seen with the naked eye or detected microscopically by a faecal blood test or a faecal blood test paired with a genetic stool test. The rectum is the final section of the digestive tract that allows excrement to leave the body.
• Undiagnosed anaemia due to iron shortage or weight loss.
• Change in the regular bowel movement routine.
• Abdominal pain.

How Are Polyps Treated?

Depending on the type of polyp and where it is located, the treatment for polyps varies greatly. A doctor will often remove them.

Some polyps won’t need to be treated because they are probably harmless. Rest and voice treatment are usually enough to let throat polyps disappear on their own. Sometimes a doctor will surgically remove polyps to prevent the spread of cancer in the future.

Numerous variables affect how polyps are treated, including:

• Whether the polyps have a chance of developing cancer.
• The quantity of polyps present and their size.

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