Colon Polyps - Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Creator: Dr. P. Saranya
Published: 2022-12-14T12:21:23-04:00

Written by

and medically reviewed by Dr. Vasavada Bhavin Bhupendra

Published on Dec 14, 2022 - 5 min read

Abstract

Colon polyps are small growths formed on the colon lining that may become cancerous. Read this article to know more about colon polyps.

Contents

What Are the Types of Polyps?

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Polyps?

What Are the Causes of Colon Polyps?

What Are the Risk Factors?

How Can We Diagnose Colon Polyps?

How Can We Prevent Colon Polyps?

What Is the Treatment?

What Is Follow-up Care?

Introduction

Colon polyps are small groups of cells that form on the surface of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But some colon polyps can turn into colon cancer, which can be fatal.

What Are the Types of Polyps?

There are two main types of polyps - neoplastic and non-neoplastic.

Non-neoplastic polyps are unlikely to develop into cancer. Non-neoplastic polyps include hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps.
Neoplastic polyps include adenomas. Most colon polyps are adenomas. These polyps can turn cancerous if left untreated or unnoticed for a long time. Larger the polyp size, the greater the risk of cancerous transformation.

Polyps may have a flat or raised appearance. Adenomas are subdivided based on their growth patterns:

Tubular.
Sessile.
Serrated.
Villous.

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Polyps?

Most colon polyps are asymptomatic and are usually diagnosed during the examination of the colon.

Few symptoms of colon polyps include:

What Are the Causes of Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps can develop anywhere in the large intestine. Mutations in specific genes cause irregular growth of cells in the colon resulting in polyps.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Factors that increase the risk of colon polyps include:

Age: 50 years or old are at increased risk.
Intestinal Diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of colon cancer.
Family History: There is an increased risk of colon polyps in patients with a close family history of colon polyps or cancer.
Smoking and Alcohol: Excess alcohol use combined with smoking can increase the risk of colon polyps.
Obesity: Overweight, excess fat intake, and lack of exercise can increase the risk.
Race: Black Americans are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Some of the genetic conditions that can cause colon polyps to include:

Lynch Syndrome: People with Lynch syndrome develop few colon polyps, but those polyps have the tendency to turn malignant quickly. Lynch syndrome is the most common form of inherited colon cancer.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): This is a rare disorder that causes hundreds or thousands of polyps in the lining of the colon. If they are untreated, they can turn into colon cancer.
Gardner’s Syndrome: This syndrome is a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis, and polyps develop in the colon and small intestine.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: This is a condition in which freckles develop all over the body and noncancerous polyps develop in the intestines, which may turn cancerous.
Serrated Polyposis Syndrome: Multiple serrated adenomatous polyps develop in the upper part of the colon.
MYH Associated Polyposis: A problem with the MYH gene causes colon polyps.

How Can We Diagnose Colon Polyps?

A screening test helps in detecting colon polyps before they turn cancerous. These screening tests also detect colon cancer in its early stages.

Screening methods are:

Colonoscopy: It is the most reliable test for colon polyps and colon cancer. If polyps are found, they are removed immediately, or tissue samples are taken for examination.
Computed Tomography (CT) Colonography: It is also known as virtual colonoscopy. This test uses a computed tomography scan to view the colon. This test is minimally invasive.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A thin tube with light and camera is inserted through the rectum to view the sigmoid colon and rectum. This test does not show the entire colon, and some polyps and cancer growths may be missed during this test.
Stool Tests: This test is used to identify the presence of blood in the stool.
Barium Enema: Liquid barium is injected into the rectum, and x-rays are taken to view the images of the colon.

How Can We Prevent Colon Polyps?

Regular screening can prevent the risk of colon polyps and colon cancer.

Some lifestyle modifications also prevent colon polyps, including:

Healthy Diet: Add more fruits, vegetables, grains and reduce fat. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium and vitamin D consumption has preventive benefits against colon cancer.
High-Risk People: Genetic counseling is advised for people with a family history of colon polyps.

What Is the Treatment?

The treatment involves the removal of all the polyps present.

The removal options are:

Removal With a Forceps or Wire Loop (Polypectomy): Small polyps are removed with forceps. If a polyp is too large, a liquid is injected under the polyp to lift and isolate the polyp from the nearby tissues so that it can be removed easily.
Laparoscopy: Polyps that are too large are removed with a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy, in which an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen.
Colon and Rectum Removal: In the presence of a rare inherited condition, surgery is done to remove the entire colon and rectum to prevent life-threatening cancer.

What Is Follow-up Care?

Adenomatous or serrated polyps are at increased risk of developing cancer. The risk depends upon the number of polyps, size, and characteristics of the polyps removed. Regular follow-up screening tests for polyps should be done.

Colonoscopy is recommended:

In five to ten years, if one or two small adenomas were present.
In three to five years, if three or four adenomas are present.
In three years, if adenomas are larger than 10 millimeters or five to ten adenomas were present.

Conclusion

Colon polyps are small growths on the lining of the large intestine of the digestive tract. Most polyps are harmless, but some can convert into cancer growth over a period of time. The treatment involves the surgical removal of all the polyps present.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Reasons for Colon Polyps, and Who Is Affected?

The most common cause of colon polyps is poor eating habits and intake of fatty foods. Elderly individuals and people with obesity are most prone to colon polyps. In addition, factors like alcohol consumption and smoking also contribute to colon polyps.

2. What Are the Effects of Colon Polyps on Health?

The health effects of colon polyps include severe pain and abdominal bleeding. It may also result in hemorrhoids and changes in stool color. Sometimes these polyps may turn cancerous if left untreated for a while. Iron deficiency anemia has also been found to be associated with this condition.

3. Is Colon Polyps a Serious Condition?

Unlike the usual polyps that occur in other parts of the body, colon polyps can be quite serious. In the initial stages, the polyp appears like a small mass. With time, these polyps may grow and cause bowel obstruction and cause bleeding. If left untreated, these polyps may even become malignant.

4. Do Colon Polyps Require Excision?

The excision of the polyp depends on the location, size, and nature of the polyp. Proper care is taken to prevent excessive blood loss if the polyp is extremely adherent to damage the underlying blood vessel. Also, if the polyp is cancerous, the physician may prescribe medications or excise the polyp, depending on the cancer stage.

5. What Is the Duration for a Polyp to Turn Cancerous?

The exact time required for a polyp to turn cancerous may vary from person to person. Intake of medications regularly can help prevent such complications. It takes an average of three to ten years for a polyp to turn cancerous.

6. Can Polyps Be Popped?

During the surgical removal of a colon polyp, care should be taken not to pop or cause any damage to the polyp. Although most polyps are non-cancerous, the presence of any infected fluid or pus discharge may affect the surrounding tissues. As a result, there are chances of recurrence.

7. What Is the Duration of Recovery From Colon Polyp Removal?

The recovery from colon polyp removal is accelerated with a proper diet and intake of the prescribed medications. It usually takes a day or two to recover from the surgery. However, it may take approximately two weeks to heal completely.

8. What Is the Time Duration for Colon Biopsy Results?

A biopsy is done to collect a tissue sample and is examined for any abnormalities or cancerous cells. It is a painless procedure, although there may be slight discomfort. The results of the biopsy are usually available within an hour of testing.

9. Can Colon Polyps Be Cured With Medications?

Colon polyps that are benign or non-cancerous can be treated with medications. However, if it does not resolve with medication, surgery may be done to remove the colon polyp. Post-surgery medications may be required to heal the surgical site effectively.

10. What Is the Size Determination for a Colon Polyp Surgery?

The average size for a colon polyp should be more than 5 mm for excision. Smaller polyps can be treated with medications if they are benign. The excision is done precisely by the surgeon to prevent the recurrence of this condition.

11. What Are the Consequences of Untreated Colon Polyps?

Untreated colon polyps can be quite dangerous and affect bowel movement. It causes bleeding of the intestinal wall. These polyps sometimes turn cancerous and may metastasize to various organs.