If you are told that you have an unusual growth, or as the doctors call it, a 'polyp', inside your body, it is very normal to suddenly feel scared. "Oh, is this cancer?" The thought makes your mind anxious. But are all these polyps really cancer? Or is this something we should be afraid of? Okay, let's talk about all the problems we have about polyps today, very simply and amicably.
Simply put, what is a polyp?
A polyp is a collection of abnormal cells that grow on the membranes of some organs inside our body. To be precise, it is like a small tumor that develops in our body. These may contain cancer cells (`malignant cells`), or they may contain cells that can become cancer in the future.
The shape of these polyps can vary.
- Some are like a flat lump (sessile). Think of it like a small protrusion on a wall.
- Others are pedunculated, meaning they have a bulb-like part hanging from a small stalk.
These vary in size, from as small as a match head (about 5 millimeters) to as large as the tip of our thumb (about 3 centimeters) or even larger.
The important thing is that not all polyps are cancerous. In fact, most polyps are benign. That means they are not cancerous.
Where can polyps develop? Are all of them at risk of cancer?
No. Polyps can develop in many different places in the body. Some polyps do not become cancerous. They may cause other symptoms, but they are not a risk of cancer.
Common places where non-cancerous polyps develop:
- Bladder
- Ear (Aural polyps)
- Gallbladder
- Nasal polyps
- Vocal cords
However, we should be a little concerned about polyps that form in certain organs, because there is a small chance that they will turn into cancer over time.
Places where polyps that are at risk of turning into cancer form:
- In the large intestine or rectum: We call these ``Colorectal polyps''.
- Stomach
- Uterus
"How long does it take for a polyp to turn into cancer?" you may be wondering. Usually, it takes several years for a polyp to turn into cancer. It doesn't happen overnight. That's why early detection and treatment are so important. According to surveys, only 5% to 10% of all polyps turn into cancer.
How does a doctor know if this is cancer or not?
If you suspect you have a polyp, your doctor will confirm whether it is cancerous or not. The main test for this is a biopsy.
Simply put, a biopsy is when the doctor removes a very small piece of tissue from the lump. Sometimes the entire polyp is removed. The tissue is then sent to a lab, where a specialist examines it under a microscope to see what kind of cells it contains. The results of that report will tell you whether it is cancerous, benign, or has a high risk of becoming cancerous.
What are the symptoms of a cancerous polyp?
Most of the time, these polyps don't cause any symptoms. But if they do, it depends on where the polyp is located. Let's see how that works.
| Location of the polyp | Symptoms to expect |
|---|---|
| Colorectal Polyps | Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool. |
| Stomach Polyps | Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, vomiting blood. |
| Uterine Polyps | Irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems. (This is also called Endometrial Polyps ). |
Why do these polyps form?
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly why these polyps form, and why some of them turn into cancer. But so far, the main cause is thought to be genetic changes. These can be inherited or can develop during a person's lifetime.
Additionally, research has found that polyps can also be caused by the effects of certain hormones and other health conditions.
What are the treatments for a cancerous polyp?
The treatment for a cancerous polyp varies from person to person. Your doctor will decide on treatment based on several factors.
- Where is the polyp?
- Number of polyps
- The size of the egg
- Your symptoms
- Your overall health and medical history
Often, the doctor will suggest surgery to remove these cancerous polyps. This is called a polypectomy .
But in some cases, your doctor may recommend a "watchful waiting" approach, or "active surveillance." This means that instead of removing the polyp right away, you will be monitored for growth and treated only if necessary. All of these decisions are made by your doctor after examining you.
Can't the formation of polyps like this be prevented?
Although it is not possible to completely prevent it, there are some things we can do to reduce the risk of developing cancerous polyps. These are simple things we can add to our lifestyle.
- Eating a healthy diet that reduces the risk of cancer: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber is very good.
- Exercising regularly.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Completely abstain from smoking.
Some research suggests that certain medications may help prevent polyps. For example, low-dose aspirin and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib. But this is very important: Do not take these medications for any reason without the advice of a doctor.
What time should I see a doctor?
If you know you have polyps, or if you have any of the symptoms we discussed above, be sure to see your doctor. Be especially aware of the following:
- Persistent or worsening stomach pain.
- A change in your stool (such as color, shape, or blood).
- Frequent or persistent diarrhea or constipation.
- Irregular menstruation or menstrual cycle abnormalities.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting that comes on without a specific reason (especially if the vomit is accompanied by blood).
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding that occurs outside of menstruation.
If you have these symptoms, don't panic. But it's wise to pay attention to them and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Take-Home Message
- A polyp is an abnormal growth of cells that forms inside the body. However, most polyps are not cancerous.
- If you have symptoms of a polyp (e.g., abdominal pain, blood in your stool, irregular menstruation), don't panic and see your doctor immediately.
- Only a biopsy can determine for sure whether a polyp is cancerous.
- A healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol) can reduce the risk of developing cancerous polyps.
- The treatment regimen is determined by your doctor. Therefore, avoid self-treatment and follow medical advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න