MULTIPLE POLYPOSIS OF THE COLON

MULTIPLE POLYPOSIS OF THE COLON

Multiple polyposis of the colon is a condition where there are many clumps of cells on the lining of the colon. These clumps are known as polyps. Most of them are harmless, but they can develop into colon cancer over time, and, in its later stages, is often fatal.

Colon polyps can affect anyone, but any person who is 50 or older has a higher risk. Those with a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, those who are overweight or smokers are also at high risk.

Symptoms may not be present in colon polyps. Early stage colon polyps can easily be removed, that’s why it is important to have regular screening tests such as colonoscopy. Regular screening for polyps is the best option to prevent colon cancer.

TYPES

Polyps are either non-neoplastic or neoplastic.

Non-neoplastic (non-cancerous) polyps include:

  • Hyperplastic
  • Inflammatory

Neoplastic polyps (cancerous) include:

  • Adenomas
  • Serrated types

SYMPTOMS

There may be no symptoms. The doctor will be able to find the polyps during the examination of your bowels. Any other conditions can be signs of colon polyps, like minor tears in your anus or hemorrhoids.

There may be bleeding in the colon. Blood may show as red or black streaks in your stool.

The presence of a large colon polyp may also be a cause of week-long diarrhea or constipation. Bowel habits may differ. Pain may also be brought about by crampy abdominal pain.

DIAGNOSIS

To prevent polyps from being cancerous, people who are at high risk should undergo a screening test to find colorectoral cancer in its early stages.

Screening methods include:

  • Colonoscopy. Colorectoral polyps are immediately removed by the doctor, who will also take samples if polyps are found.
  • A CT scan is minimally invasive
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy is the process wherein a lighted tube is inserted in the rectum
  • Checking for the presence of blood in the stool

 

TREATMENT

Your doctor is likely to remove all polyps discovered during a bowel examination. The options for removal include:

  • A liquid may be injected under it to lift and isolate the polyp from surrounding tissue so that it can be removed if a polyp is larger than 0.4 inches or about one centimeter by the process of p
  • During the screening, doctors will usually remove laparoscopically if the polyps are too large
  • One may need surgery in removing the colon and rectum if you have a FAP which is a rare inherited syndrome.

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