Do you also have tumors like this in your colon? Let's learn about (Tubular Adenomas)!

Sometimes when we do a `(Colonoscopy)`, doctors can find small growths inside our colon. That's what they call `(Polyps)`. These `(Tubular Adenomas)` are also a type of small growths that form in the colon, before they become cancer. You may feel a little scared when you hear about these, but don't worry. Less than 9% of these turn into cancer. But this is like a very early warning that you get. This warning can be a big help in reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Are these (Tubular Adenomas) the same as (Villous Adenomas)? Or are they different?

Now you might be wondering if these `(Tubular Adenomas)` and `(Villous Adenomas)` are the same. Actually, when viewed under a microscope, they both look like little lumps in the lining of your colon, or like little cauliflower pieces. Think of it like little cauliflower flowers attached to the wall of your colon. But there is a clear difference in the growth patterns of the two.

Simply put, ``Tubular Adenomas`` look like a series of tiny test tubes made from the lining of your colon. This means that their cells are arranged in a very neat, tubular shape.

But what are called ``Villous Adenomas'' are different. They look like the branches of a fern that have sprouted randomly in different places, a bit messy, and have lots of finger-like projections.

Now you may be wondering why this difference in growth pattern is important. Understanding these growth patterns allows doctors to assess the likelihood that your adenoma will become cancerous. For example, Villous Adenomas grow faster than Tubular Adenomas and are more likely to become cancerous. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between the two.

Why do these (Tubular Adenomas) develop? What are the risk factors?

Actually, anyone can develop these `(Tubular Adenomas)`. But some people are at higher risk of developing them. Let's see who they are:

• If you use cigarettes or other tobacco products: Smoking is a major cause of many diseases. It directly affects this one as well. The chemicals in tobacco damage the cells in the colon, encouraging the growth of polyps like this.
• If your body weight is more than the recommended amount (Obesity): Obesity is also one of the reasons for this. The hormonal changes and inflammation caused by excess weight in the body can contribute to the growth of these ``Adenomas``.
• If you are 50 or older: Your risk of developing certain diseases increases with age. Because our body's cell repair process slows down as we age, we are more likely to develop abnormal cells.
• If you are a man: Statistically, men are found to be at a slightly higher risk of developing these ``Adenomas'' than women.
• Family history of cancer: If your parents, siblings, or children have had colorectal cancer, you are about twice as likely to develop it. This suggests that there is a genetic influence.
• Certain pre-existing medical conditions: For example, if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a history of colon cancer, or ovarian cancer, you are also at risk.
• Some inherited gene changes: There are some rare conditions that can cause colon cancer and polyps, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or MUTYH-associated Polyposis (MAP). These are genetic conditions that can affect family members.

"You don't have to have all of these risk factors. Even if you have one or two, sometimes they can develop for no apparent reason. That's why it's so important to talk to a doctor and learn about `(Screening)` tests, especially after the age of 45-50."

What are the symptoms of (Tubular Adenomas)? How are they identified?

Most of the time, these `(Tubular Adenomas)` do not show any symptoms . That is the most dangerous thing. Because there are no symptoms, we do not even know that something like this is happening inside the body. They can grow silently. However, very rarely, if symptoms do appear, the most common symptom is the painless passage of dark red or light red blood during bowel movements. This blood may be mixed with the stool or smeared on the surface of the stool.

There may be some other symptoms besides that, but these are not very common:

• Constipation or diarrhea: If there has been a sudden, unexplained change in your toilet habits for several weeks.
• Unintentional weight loss: If you lose weight without dieting, even when you eat as usual.
• Loss of appetite: A feeling of not wanting to eat.
• Stomach pain: A persistent, vague stomach discomfort or pain.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: Because polyps bleed little by little, sometimes the body's iron levels decrease, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and paleness.

But remember, just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have Tubular Adenomas. These symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, such as hemorrhoids and other intestinal infections. Therefore, if you continue to have something like this, it is definitely best to see a doctor and get advice. Do not self-diagnose.

How do doctors detect these (Tubular Adenomas)?

Usually, when a doctor examines you, a Digital Rectal Exam can find a Tubular Adenoma if it is located near the rectum. However , most often, Tubular Adenomas are found during a Colonoscopy, a screening test for colorectal cancer.

A ``(Colonoscopy)`` is a procedure in which a flexible, thin tube-like instrument (with a small camera and light attached to the end) is inserted through the anus and the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum are examined. In this, the doctor can clearly see even small changes in the intestine, such as ``(Polyps)``, on a monitor. So it is when you look at it that these ``(Adenomas)`` are caught. Before this test, you need to clean your intestines thoroughly, for which the doctor will give you a special drink or medicine.

What are the treatments for (Tubular Adenomas)?

The main and most effective treatment for this is to remove these `(Adenomas)` from your colon. The good news is that most of the time these `(Adenomas)` are removed at the same time as the `(Colonoscopy)` test that found them. This means that you don't have to go in for a separate, major surgery on a separate day. This procedure is called `(Polypectomy)`.

Doctors usually use special instruments, such as a wire loop snare or biopsy forceps, that are passed through the colonoscope to remove the adenoma from the lining of the colon. Large polyps may be cut into several pieces and removed. You may feel a slight squeezing or pulling sensation, but since a colonoscopy is usually done with painkillers and sedation , you will not feel much pain.

The doctor then takes the pieces of the adenoma that he removed and sends them to a laboratory for examination under a microscope (Histopathology/Biopsy). This is where they can confirm exactly whether it contains cancer cells and what type of adenoma it is. This is the normal procedure.

Can I reduce my risk of developing Tubular Adenomas?

When you find out that you have `(Tubular Adenomas)`, it means that you have a slightly increased risk of developing `(Colorectal cancer)`. But don't worry. There are many risk factors associated with this type of colorectal cancer. Some of them we can change, and some we can't (e.g. age, family history, genes).

However, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk :

• If you drink alcohol, reduce the amount you drink, or stop completely: it's best to limit it as much as possible.
• Quit smoking and using tobacco products completely: This is something you absolutely must do. Talk to a doctor if you need help with this.
• Attain a healthy weight: Exercise and a balanced diet can help with this. You can start with something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat more fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Limit red meat (like beef, pork) and processed meats (like sausage, bacon).
• Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate-intensity exercise at least a few days a week.

"Doing these things may not completely stop the recurrence of `(Tubular Adenomas)`, but it will greatly help reduce the overall risk of developing colon cancer. Also, it is very important to have `(Colonoscopy)` tests at the scheduled time, as the doctor says."

If I have (Tubular Adenomas), what should I expect?

Tubular adenomas are a type of precancerous growth in your colon and rectum. They are usually found during a colonoscopy, a test used to screen for colon cancer. So, if your doctor finds these polyps during a colonoscopy, you will likely need to have a colonoscopy a little more frequently than others. That means that while someone without a tubal adenoma might be recommended to have a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, you may be asked to come back for another checkup less often, like every 1 to 3 years.

This ``Follow-up`` interval is determined by your doctor. There are several factors that affect it:

• The number of `(Adenomas)` found in you.
• Their size.
• Their microscopic appearance (`Histology`), that is, whether they have ``Villous`` features or whether they have severe changes such as ``High-grade dysplasia``.
• Your family history of colon cancer.
• Your overall health.

So, the most important thing is to have a colonoscopy according to the schedule the doctor tells you.

Can Tubular Adenomas Recur?

Yes, unfortunately, `(Tubular Adenomas)` can recur. Just because they have been removed once does not mean they will not recur. Especially if you are a smoker, or if you still have the risk factors mentioned earlier, the risk of this reoccurrence is even higher. That is why doctors recommend that you have `(Colonoscopy)` again at regular intervals to check for new ones. This `(Surveillance Colonoscopy)` or `(Follow-up Colonoscopy)` is important because it can detect and remove such new ones at an early stage, before they become cancerous.

How should I take care of myself if I have (Tubular Adenomas)?

In fact, by having a `(Colonoscopy)` and finding out that you have `(Tubular Adenomas)`, you have taken a big step towards taking care of yourself. If you are a little worried or scared about the results of `(Colonoscopy)`, it may be helpful to remember these few facts about `(Tubular Adenomas)`:

• Doctors who perform a colonoscopy usually remove your tubular adenomas at the same time they perform the test. So a big problem is solved at that moment.
• Approximately 90% of the detected `(Tubular Adenomas)` do not become cancerous. This is a huge relief, isn't it? That means the majority are not dangerous.
• Having a colonoscopy on a regular schedule means that even if new Tubular Adenomas form, doctors can identify and remove them before they become cancerous. This means you are in a safe, early-detection system.

"So, the most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Going for follow-up tests on time, making the necessary lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising) are the best things you can do for yourself. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have."

When should I see a doctor again?

While waiting for your scheduled ``Follow-up Colonoscopy``, if you notice any new changes in your body, especially if you think you may have new ``Tubular Adenomas``, or if you think you may have symptoms of colon cancer, see your doctor without delay.

Remember, most of the time, Tubular Adenomas do not have symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, the most common symptom is painless, dark red or light red blood after bowel movements. If you notice something like this, do not ignore it. Be sure to tell a doctor. Also, be aware of any new or worsening symptoms mentioned earlier (such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss).

At what point should I go to the Emergency Department (ETU) after a colonoscopy?

Major complications after a colonoscopy are rare. However, if they do occur, it is important to act quickly. If you experience any of the following problems after a colonoscopy (usually within a few days), you should go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, or call your doctor :

• Severe pain or cramping in the stomach that is getting worse. (A slight bloating or gas after the test is normal, but not severe pain.)
• If your stomach feels hard, like a rock, and the pain is intense when you press it with your hand.
• Persistent difficulty passing gas or defecating.
• High fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C).
• If you feel dizzy or faint.
• If you are vomiting continuously.
• Frequent or severely bloody bowel movements.
• If rectal bleeding cannot be stopped, or if more than a couple of tablespoons of blood is coming out.

These symptoms indicate a possible, but very rare, complication (e.g., bowel perforation, excessive bleeding) after a colonoscopy. So be aware of these.

What questions should I ask my doctor about Tubular Adenoma?

If you find out that you have Tubular Adenomas during your routine colonoscopy, you can ask your doctor these questions. Asking these questions can help you gain a better understanding of the condition and help you ease your fears:

• "Doctor, what exactly is `(Tubular Adenoma)`? Can you explain it to me in simple terms?"
• "Does this mean I have colorectal cancer? Or will I get it in the future?"
• "What are the treatments for these `(Tubular Adenomas)`? Were the ones found in my body removed? Were they all removed?"
• "What did the biopsy report say about the adenomas that were removed? Were there any dangerous changes like high-grade dysplasia?"
• "Do I have a genetic predisposition to developing colon cancer because of this condition? Should I also inform my family about this?"
• "How soon should I have my next colonoscopy?"
• "What can I do to reduce my risk of colon cancer? What changes should I make to my lifestyle?"
• "What are the chances of these `(Adenomas)` growing back?"

"Never be afraid or hesitant to ask these questions. You have every right to know about your health. The doctor will explain everything to you. If you don't understand, ask again."

Finally, what we need to remember from all of this (Take-Home Message)

Tubular Adenomas can be thought of as an early warning sign of colorectal cancer. Tubular Adenomas are not cancer, and the chance of them becoming cancerous is very low, especially if they are small and do not cause any symptoms.

But, having these things means you're saying, 'Hey, I need to do some research on what I can do to reduce my risk of colon cancer, and I need to do the follow-up that the doctor says.' Talk to your doctor and ask about things you can do. They can tell you about programs and services that can help you. It could be help with quitting smoking, or it could be help with maintaining a healthy weight, or getting used to a healthy diet.

The most important thing is not to be afraid, not to panic, but to follow the correct medical advice and not to skip the required tests. Then you can manage this risk well, stay healthy, and happy!

` Tubular adenoma, colon polyps, colonoscopy, colon cancer, polyps, colon polyps, blood in stool, cancer risk, health screenings