A colon polyp is a fleshly growth that happens on the inside of the colon, or commonly known as the large intestine. Colon polyps appear flat, or raised in appearance. Polyps are common and they increase as a person gets older.
Some polyps are not cancerous (benign), and some are not. It is difficult to see in flat polyps the cancerous ones as they are usually small. The safest and most effective way to remove them is through colonoscopy.
Cancerous colon polyps are also known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, and it can be acquired genetically. The bigger the polyp gets, the more it becomes cancerous. Anyone of any age- in some cases, as early as 16 years of age – can have colon polyps but certain individuals are more likely to have them.
An individual has a greater risk of getting polyps due to the following:
- Ovarian or uterine cancer in women
- One has had polyps before
- A family member has had polyps
- If the person is aged 30 or above
- A family member has had colon cancer
Listed below are other factors which can make an individual get colon polyp:
- Being overweight
- Excessive alcohol drinking
- Smoking
- No exercise
Symptoms of Colon Polyps
Some people don't experience symptoms of colon polyps – these aren't usually detected until a general examination has been performed, or while having checked for symptoms because of other diseases.
However, the most common symptoms of colon polyps are:
- Recurring abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Stools streaked with blood
- Loose bowel movement or constipation that lasts for a week or so
It is advised to see a doctor as soon as possible if one of these symptoms is experienced.
What are the tests being done for colon polyps?
Sigmoidoscopy - It is a medical examination in which the doctor checks the large intestine for colon cancer (polyposis) using a sigmoidoscope – a long piece of thin tube which is inserted into the rectum. Sigmoidoscopy is also done in patients having abdominal pain, bleeding, or diarrhea.
Colonoscopy – This test is similar to sigmoidoscopy. The doctor uses a colonoscope to check and remove polyps in the entire colon.
Fecal Occult Blood Test – Since blood is not visible to the naked eye in this case, a stool sample is being tested in the laboratory in order to determine occult blood. This type test is done mainly for the detection and prevention of colon cancer, or polyposis.
Computerized Tomography (CT) scan – Like colonoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum images of the large intestine. However, CT scan only shows images of polyps in the large intestine, unlike colonoscopy that can check and remove polyps.
