Intestinal Polyps Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Intestinal polyps are conditions where lumps form in the intestine arising from cells that line the intestine. Most intestinal polyps are classified as benign. However, over time, a small percentage of colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which can be dangerous if detected at an advanced stage.
There are two main categories of intestinal polyps, namely non-neoplastic polyps and neoplastic polyps. Non-neoplastic polyps generally do not develop into cancer, and neoplastic polyps can develop into cancer. In general, the larger the size of a polyp, the higher the risk of developing cancer, especially for neoplastic polyps.
Colon polyps can occur at any age. However, the risk of this condition increases in individuals who are 50 years of age or older, are overweight, smoke, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or bowel cancer.
Intestinal polyps often do not cause any complaints. However, it is very important to have regular checkups, such as a colonoscopy. Because intestinal polyps found at an early stage can generally be removed completely and safely. The best prevention for colon cancer is regular bowel examinations for polyps.
Symptom
Colon polyps often cause no signs or symptoms. In most individuals, the presence of intestinal polyps is noticed when the doctor performs a bowel examination.
However, some of the signs and symptoms that can occur with intestinal polyps are:
- Rectal bleeding. These complaints can indicate intestinal polyps, bowel cancer, or various other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or small tears in the anus.
- Stool color change. Blood can appear as a red streak in the stool or make the stool appear black. However, changes in stool color can also be caused by food, medication, and supplements.
- Change in bowel habits. Colon polyps can cause a person to experience constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than one week. However, this complaint can also be caused by various other health conditions.
- Painful. Large intestinal polyps can cause partial obstruction of the intestine, which can cause cramps or abdominal pain.
- Anemia due to iron deficiency. Bleeding from polyps may occur slowly over time, with no visible bleeding in the stool.
Bleeding that lasts a long time can make the body experience a decrease in iron needed for the production of hemoglobin, which is an oxygen-conducting substance in red blood cells. This can lead to anemia due to iron deficiency, which can cause a person to feel tired and short of breath.
Reason
Intestinal polyps are caused due to excessive cell growth in the intestines and rectum. Basically, healthy body cells can grow and multiply regularly. However, mutations or changes in certain genes can make some types of cells to multiply more quickly.
Several factors that are thought to increase the risk of intestinal polyps are:
• Age. Most individuals with intestinal polyps are 50 years of age or older.
• Inflammation of the intestines.
• Family history. A person has a higher chance of having colon polyps or bowel cancer if there are parents, siblings, or children who also have these conditions.
• Smoking or consuming alcohol.
• Obesity and low physical activity.
• Experiencing type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by blood sugar levels that are not well controlled.
Diagnosis
Screening tests play an important role in detecting colon polyps before cancer occurs. This examination is also useful in detecting colon cancer at an early stage.
Some of the checks that can be done include:
- Colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for colon polyps and bowel cancer. If polyps are found, the doctor can immediately remove them or take tissue samples by taking a biopsy for further examination.
- Virtual colonoscopy. This minimally invasive examination uses computerized tomography (CT) to produce images of the intestine. This examination requires preparation similar to the colonoscopy procedure.
- If polyps are found on the results, they can be removed using the colonoscopy method.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. This examination uses a thin tube accompanied by a camera to evaluate the condition of the lower colon (sigmoid) and rectum. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy can be done to remove them.
- Stool examination. This examination can be done to see the presence of blood in the stool.
Treatment
Doctors can remove polyps at the time of examination. Some of the types of lifting that can be done are:
- Polypectomy. A polypectomy, or removal of polyps, may be performed at the time of a colonoscopy. If the polyp is 1 centimeter or more in size, the doctor can inject liquid underneath to make the polyp higher and isolated from the surrounding tissue, to make it easier to remove.
- Minimally invasive surgery. In polyps that are very large and cannot be removed safely during the examination procedure, a laparoscopic procedure can be performed, which involves a surgical procedure by inserting instruments into the large intestine.
Prevention
The risk of colon polyps and cancer can be prevented by undergoing regular checkups. Some lifestyle changes can also help with prevention, such as:
- Follow healthy habits. This can be done by consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, as well as reducing your intake of fatty foods.
In addition, it is also recommended to limit alcohol intake and stop smoking. Doing regular activities is also highly recommended because it can help maintain an ideal body weight.
- Ensuring that the levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body are sufficient. Several studies have shown that increasing calcium consumption can prevent abnormal growth in the intestine.
However, the protective benefits of calcium against colon cancer are still being investigated further. Other studies have also shown that vitamin D may have a protective effect against colon cancer.