WHAT ARE POLYPS?
Polyps are abnormal growths rising from the inside lining of the colon or rectum (large intestine). They protrude into the intestinal canal. Some are flat (sessile) while others are on a stalk.
Polyps are very common, occurring in 15-20% of the adult population.
Although most polyps are benign (not cancerous) some can change into cancer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLYPS?
Most polyps produce no symptoms. When they do produce symptoms it is usually bleeding, mucous discharge in bowel movements, or a change in bowel function (constipation or diarrhea).
HOW ARE POLYPS DIAGNOSED?
Polyps are diagnosed by either, looking directly at the lining of the colon, or x-rays (barium enema).
There are different scopes to visualize the colon and rectum. Anoscopy, looks at the anal canal, proctoscopy, looks at the rectum (8-12 inches), and flexible sigmoidoscopy, looks at 12-18 inches of the colon and rectum.
Since the colon is 3-4 feet long, a colonoscopy is the best choice when evaluating the colon. Any other/shorter tests, may miss a significant portion of the colon and possible polyps.
Checking the stool for blood with a digital rectal exam or microscopic tests is a poor test to evaluate for colon polyps. A negative test does rule out the presence of polyps. A positive test usually warrants a colonoscopy.
If 1 polyps is found, there may be a 30% chance of other polyps.
DO POLYPS NEED TO BE TREATED?
Since there is no fool proof way to know whether a polyp will become cancerous, all polyps should be removed. Most polyps can be removed at the time of the colonoscopy. Very large polyps may require surgery.
CAN POLYPS RECUR?
Once a polyps is completely removed, it is rare that it comes back. However, the same factors that caused the polyp to form, can cause new polyps to form. 30% of people who have a polyp, will have more. Follow up colonoscopies are warranted.