COLON POLYPS

Overview & Facts

  • A.k.a. colorectal polyp.
  • Benign (noncancerous) growths that appear on the surface of the colon.
    • The colon, or large intestine, is a long hollow tube at the bottom of the digestive tract where the body makes and stores stool.
  • Polyps in the colon can vary in size and number.
  • Most polyps are harmless, but they can slowly progress into cancer over time.
    • Colon cancer is a serious condition that can be life-threatening in its later stages.
  • Colonic polyps can occur in anyone, but people over age 50 are most at risk.
    • Other risk factors: obesity, smoking, family history of colon cancer.

Types & Symptoms

The symptoms of may vary. Some people don’t experience any symptoms, so polyps often go undetected until they’re discovered by a doctor.

Symptoms may include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea or constipation that lasts longer than one week
  • Anal bleeding
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in stool

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

  • Physician may do/request:
    • History & Physical Exam
  • Other additional tests such as:
    • Colonoscopy
    • Sigmoidoscopy
    • Barium enema
    • CT colonography
    • Stool test

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

  • The best way to treat colonic polyps is to remove them during colonoscopy.
  • Laparoscopic surgery may be required for larger polyps.

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