Have you ever heard of 'colon polyps', or small growths that grow in the large intestine? Maybe your doctor has told you about them, or maybe you've heard them somewhere. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this name. But if you are actually aware of this, you can avoid a lot of major health problems. So today, let's talk about this very simply and in a friendly way.
What exactly are colon polyps?
Simply put, these are small growths that form on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon), which is part of our digestive system. Think of them as little bumps on the skin. Most of them are harmless and don't cause any problems. However
, some types of growths can develop into colon cancer if left untreated for a long time. That's why doctors recommend removing these tumors as soon as they are identified.
They are so common that it is believed that between 15% and 40% of adults may develop them. The risk is slightly higher in people over the age of 50 and in men.
Why do these occur? Who is at higher risk?
Most of the time, these tumors are caused by changes (mutations) in the genes in our cells. But doctors still don't know exactly why these changes happen. Although anyone can develop them, some people are at higher risk. See if these facts apply to you:
- If anyone in the family has previously had colon tumors or cancer .
- If you are 50 years old or older .
- If you are overweight ( BMI greater than 25) or obese (BMI greater than 30).
- If you smoke .
- If you drink alcohol (especially too much per day).
- If you are used to a diet high in fat and low in fiber .
- If you have ever had a tumor like this or colon cancer.
- If you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease.
- If you have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
- Less exerciseIf you live a lifestyle.
In addition, some rare hereditary conditions can increase the risk of these tumors and cancers. For example, conditions like `(Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - FAP)` and `(Lynch syndrome)`. If you have a family history of this, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it.
Does food and drink affect it?
Yes, there is some effect. Studies have shown that limiting foods like these can reduce the risk:
- Processed meats - like sausages and bacon.
- Red meats - like beef and pork.
- Oily foods - deep-fried foods.
Are there different types of these nuts?
Yes, not all tumors are the same. And not all tumors are cancerous. Doctors classify them by looking at them under a microscope. Let's take a quick look at the main types.
| Polyp Type | Description and importance |
|---|
| Adenomatous polyps | These are the most common type (about 70%). Most colon cancers start from these types of tumors. But they take years to develop into cancer. There are also subtypes of these, depending on their shape. |
| Serrated polyps | This name comes from the fact that the edges of these lesions resemble the teeth of a saw. Some of these types of lesions can also turn into cancer. These are considered a precancerous condition. |
| Hyperplastic polyps | These are usually small and have a very low risk of becoming cancerous. So there's nothing to worry about. |
| Inflammatory polyps | These are not actually true tumors. They form in response to long-term inflammation in the colon. They do not turn into cancer. |
What do these nuts look like?
A doctor can get some idea of the severity of these tumors based on their appearance, size, and shape.
- Size: Generally, the larger the tumor , the higher the risk of it becoming cancerous.
- Shape: Some are sessile, attached to the intestinal wall. Others are pedunculated. These types of tumors are relatively easy to remove.
What are the symptoms?
Here's the important thing.
Most of the time, colon polyps don't cause any symptoms! You may not even know you have them. You'll find out when you have a test done for another reason. However, sometimes you may experience symptoms like these:
- Blood in the stool: If you see blood stains in the toilet or if there is blood on the toilet paper, it could be a sign of bleeding inside the intestines.
- Change in stool color: If the stool is black or has red streaks, it may also contain blood.
- Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week.
- Stomach ache or pain.
- Fatigue and extreme fatigue: As the cysts gradually bleed, iron deficiency anemia can develop, leading to symptoms like these.
Important: If you have this symptom, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a colon tumor. There could be other, simpler causes, like hemorrhoids. But it's important to see your doctor right away to find out exactly what's causing it. Don't skip it.
How are these detected and treated?
Finding these tumors early is the best way to prevent cancer. There are several screening methods for this.
| Test | Simply put... |
|---|
| Colonoscopy | This is the "Gold Standard".You will be anesthetized and your entire colon will be examined using a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached. If any tumors are found, they may be removed right away. They will then be sent for a biopsy to check for cancer cells. |
| Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography) | This is done using CT scan technology. No tube is inserted into the body. However, it cannot remove tumors. If there are tumors, a colonoscopy will have to be done to remove them. |
| Sigmoidoscopy (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy) | This is similar to a colonoscopy, but only the lower part of the colon is examined. |
| Stool Tests | Tests that look for small amounts of blood in the stool (FIT/FOBT). If these are positive, a colonoscopy will definitely be needed. |
The treatment is to remove the polyp (polypectomy). This can often be done during a colonoscopy, and is painless. Once a polyp is completely removed, it is less likely to come back. However,
it is important to have regular checkups as your doctor recommends (e.g. every 3-5 years), as new polyps may develop. What can be done to prevent it?
Although we cannot change genetic causes, we can reduce the risk with a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibrous foods (beans, lentils, chickpeas) .
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight .
- Limit red meat, processed meat, and fatty foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
- If you are over 50, or have a family history of risk, talk to your doctor about screening.
Take-Home Message
- Colon polyps are not something to be as scared of as you might think, but they are not something to ignore either.
- Most of the time, there are no symptoms, so screening as you age is very important.
- These can be detected and removed immediately with a colonoscopy.
- Simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing these.
- If you have any suspicious symptoms, such as blood in your stool, don't panic and see your doctor without delay.
Colon polyps, colonoscopy, blood in stool, stomach pain, colon cancer
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