What You Need To Know About Colon Polyps

Colon polyps may seem daunting, and people who are diagnosed with them are left with a feeling of apprehension because they can potentially be the catalyst for cancerous cells to develop. What are they, really? How are polyps in the colon developed? Let’s take a closer look at what a colon polyp is so that you can determine for yourself if it is dangerous or not if ever you get diagnosed with it.

Colonic polyps are abnormal growths of tissues that projects from a mucus membrane. Polyps generally develop in areas where mucus membranes exist, like the stomach, the uterus, the bladder, the nose, the cervix, and the sinuses. They are sporadic by nature. Their appearance are either pedunculated, meaning they have stalks, or sessile, meaning they do not have stalks.

There are different types of colon polyps, namely:

1. Malignant
2. Hyperplastic
3. Adenomatous
4. Hamartomatous

Malignant polyps in the colon tend to progress into colon cancer polyps, hence, they can be fatal if not treated or removed right away; hyperplastic colon polyps are the result of the abnormal multiplication or the abnormal increase in the number of normal cells in a normal tissue; adenomatous colonic polyps are benign but can become malignant in time; and hamartomatous polyps in the colon are benign tumor-like formations that result from the defective overgrowth of tissues.

These colon polyp types are rarely associated with symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain, constipation, and diarrhea, which is sad since they present a major concern to anyone diagnosed as having them because they have the potential to become colon cancer polyps since even benign colon polyps can become cancerous over time depending on their developments. Since they are asymptomatic by nature, they are normally or are usually discovered when there are symptoms of colon disorders like the ones mentioned above through laboratory tests like DRE or digital rectal exam, Barium enema, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy. Once they are discovered, it is advisable to have these colon polyps removed either with a biopsy forceps or with a polypectomy snare to avoid their potential into developing into cancerous tumors. Usually, a routine removal of these polyps is done after three (3) to five (5) years from the initial removal to ensure that they will not proliferate and become cancerous.

Not all people develop colon polyps, but the thing is, anyone can get them. People who are 50 years above, has a history of colonic polyps or colon cancer in the family, are fond of eating fatty foods, have vices like smoking and drinking, and live a sedentary life and, hence, have a great tendency to become obese, are more prone to having them. To avoid having them, you should live a healthy lifestyle and eat the right kind of foods. Always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure, and way cheaper, of course.