Colon polyps are generally asymptomatic (meaning that they don’t produce any noticeable symptoms), so how are you supposed to know whether you have them or not? The way in which the majority of people discover that they have developed colon polyps is during a screening procedure, such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
High Risk Individuals for Colon Polyps
Screening for polyps within the colon will be carried out if you have experienced any symptoms, or if you have been identified as being in a high risk category. High risk groups of people include those with a family history of the condition, people who are overweight or obese, eat a high fat diet, and do not exercise regularly. Age is also a risk factor, with colon polyps being most common in people who are over the age of fifty. If you have an inflammatory bowel condition, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, then you are also more likely to develop polyps than people who do not have these conditions.
What Do Typical Symptoms of Colon Polyps Look Like?
Even if you don’t fit into any of the categories above, it is still possible that you could have colon polyps, and you may notice some symptoms. The most likely indications that you may have colon polyps include:
Occasionally, polyps in the colon may lead to the onset of abdominal pain, but as this can be caused by an extremely wide range of conditions, it does not necessarily mean that a polyp is present. With large polyps, there may be some mucus in the stool, in addition to blood. Again, polyps are not the only cause of this, so if you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. If a very large polyp has developed, then it may lead to an obstruction in the bowel, preventing food from passing through normally. This is likely to lead to abdominal pain and muscle cramps. Constipation will generally occur, as the fecal material will be unable to move past the obstructing polyp. Nausea and vomiting may occur in severe cases.
What Can Be Done About Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps can be removed during a procedure known as a colonoscopy. This is a quick, simple procedure and is generally considered to be painless. The polyps will normally be removed using a process called snaring. This involves slipping a loop of wire over the polyp and tightening it, so that it slices through the stalk attaching the polyp to the lining of the colon. This also cauterises the stalk to prevent any further bleeding.
Once a polyp has been removed, it cannot grow back. It is possible for further polyps to develop in the surrounding areas, but recurrence in the same place does not occur. This means that once the polyp has been removed, it cannot become cancerous and will not increase your risk of developing tumors.
Contact Your Los Angeles Colorectal Surgeon to Get an Expert Opinion
Your Los Angeles colorectal surgeon, also referred to as a proctologist, should be contacted if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They will be able to provide you with all of the information you need in order to be able to make an informed decision about the treatments available and whether you are happy to proceed with screening or polyp removal. Most likely, you will be referred initially for bowel screening, but booking an appointment is the first step in eradicating the problem of colon polyps.
High Risk Individuals for Colon Polyps
Screening for polyps within the colon will be carried out if you have experienced any symptoms, or if you have been identified as being in a high risk category. High risk groups of people include those with a family history of the condition, people who are overweight or obese, eat a high fat diet, and do not exercise regularly. Age is also a risk factor, with colon polyps being most common in people who are over the age of fifty. If you have an inflammatory bowel condition, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, then you are also more likely to develop polyps than people who do not have these conditions.
What Do Typical Symptoms of Colon Polyps Look Like?
Even if you don’t fit into any of the categories above, it is still possible that you could have colon polyps, and you may notice some symptoms. The most likely indications that you may have colon polyps include:
- Bleeding from the rectum. After a bowel movement, you may notice bright red blood, probably on the toilet paper, or perhaps in the toilet bowl. Rectal bleeding can be an indication of a polyp (or a polyp that has developed into a cancerous tumour), but this is not the only cause. Bleeding such as this can also suggest the presence of an anal fissure (a tear) or hemorrhoids. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this symptom.
- Blood in the stool. Blood may be visible as red lines running through the stool, or it may result in a black appearance. However, a change in color is not always a sign that something is wrong, as some foods and medications can have the same effect. Iron supplements will often make the stool black, while eating a lot of beets can lead to a red appearance.
- Changes in bowel habits. This can result from any number of health problems, but if the diarrhea or constipation lasts for longer than a week, it is possible that you have developed a polyp.
Occasionally, polyps in the colon may lead to the onset of abdominal pain, but as this can be caused by an extremely wide range of conditions, it does not necessarily mean that a polyp is present. With large polyps, there may be some mucus in the stool, in addition to blood. Again, polyps are not the only cause of this, so if you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. If a very large polyp has developed, then it may lead to an obstruction in the bowel, preventing food from passing through normally. This is likely to lead to abdominal pain and muscle cramps. Constipation will generally occur, as the fecal material will be unable to move past the obstructing polyp. Nausea and vomiting may occur in severe cases.
What Can Be Done About Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps can be removed during a procedure known as a colonoscopy. This is a quick, simple procedure and is generally considered to be painless. The polyps will normally be removed using a process called snaring. This involves slipping a loop of wire over the polyp and tightening it, so that it slices through the stalk attaching the polyp to the lining of the colon. This also cauterises the stalk to prevent any further bleeding.
Once a polyp has been removed, it cannot grow back. It is possible for further polyps to develop in the surrounding areas, but recurrence in the same place does not occur. This means that once the polyp has been removed, it cannot become cancerous and will not increase your risk of developing tumors.
Contact Your Los Angeles Colorectal Surgeon to Get an Expert Opinion
Your Los Angeles colorectal surgeon, also referred to as a proctologist, should be contacted if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They will be able to provide you with all of the information you need in order to be able to make an informed decision about the treatments available and whether you are happy to proceed with screening or polyp removal. Most likely, you will be referred initially for bowel screening, but booking an appointment is the first step in eradicating the problem of colon polyps.
