A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the cellular lining of the colon. The majority of colon polyps are safe. Over time, some colon polyps can develop right into colon cancer, which is frequently fatal when located in its later stages.

Anyone can develop colon polyps. You’re at higher danger if you’re 50 or older, are overweight or a cigarette smoker, or have an individual or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

Colon polyps often don’t create signs. It’s vital to have normal screening tests such as stool test to detect occult blood or a colonoscopy, since colon polyps discovered in the early stages can normally be removed securely as well as entirely. The most effective avoidance for colon cancer is regular screening for polyps and removing then with colonoscopy.

Symptoms and Signs of Colon Polyps

Colon polyps often trigger no symptoms. However some people with colon polyps experience:

• Rectal bleeding
• Change in colour of stools
• Change in bowel routines.
• Colicky abdominal pain
• Generalized weakness and lethargy

Risk factors of colon polyps

• Age. Many people with colon polyps are 50 or older.
• Inflammatory digestive tract problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s condition.
• Hereditary. You’re a lot more most likely to develop colon polyps or cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with them.
• Race. African-Americans are at higher threat of establishing colon cancer cells.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus that isn’t well-controlled.
• Cigarette and alcohol usage.
• Weight problems and absence of workout.

Genetic problems that create colon polyps include:

• Lynch syndrome or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP
• Gardner’s disorder
• MYH-associated polyposis (MAP
• Peutz-Jeghers sundrome
• Serrated polyposis disorder

Also See: Colon Cancer Surgeon in Chandigarh

Complications of colon polyps

The deadliest complication is of the polyp turning into cancer. Thus as soon as it is detected it should be removed.

Diagnosis of colon polyps

Screening tests help us discover these polyps or at time early cancers. The evaluating approaches include:

• Colonoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Stool-based tests to look for occult blood.

Treatment of colon polyp

Most of the polyps are removed when they are detected during colonoscopy. The excision is done in the same sitting or next sitting. The choice of procedure depends on the size, location or number of polyps. These include:

• Removal with forceps or a wire loop (polypectomy) during colonoscopy
• Minimally invasive surgical procedure for large polyps which cannot be removed via a colonoscope.
• Surgery for colon and rectum removal in conditions like FAP

Follow-up care for Colon Polyp Removal

You’ll require follow-up screenings for polyps. A colonoscopy is suggested after a year and then subsequently 3-5 years later, if no polyp was discovered at one year colonoscopy follow up. The follow up criteria will vary on many factors and the colorectal surgeon is the best person to advice.

Salient points about colon polyps