SHARES
After 50 year old Meriam’s brother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which had spread to other organs, she was prompted to go for a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. The colonoscopy was positive as 6 polyps of sizes from 1 to 1.5 cm were removed. Meriam was nervous, now what? Colon polyps and Colon cancer, how are they related?
What are Colon Polyps? Colon polyps and colon cancer, something to be fearful about? Will I get colon cancer if I have colon polyps?
Having colon polyps does not mean you will get colon cancer. Most colon polyps are harmless, only very small percentages are precancerous turning into cancer over time.
What is a Colon Polyp?
Colon Polyp is a tissue growth from the inner lining of the colon into the lumen of the colon. Polyps are non-cancerous and only a small number may turn into cancer.
Symptoms
In most cases polyps do not cause any symptoms, but can be detected during colonoscopy or other tests on the colon. Some may cause symptoms such as:
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Blood in the stool (black or red)
Who are at risk of getting polyps?
- Age over 50 years old.
- Family history or personal history of having polyps.
- Family history of cancer.
- High-fat diet.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Obesity.
- Hereditary condition which causes polyps to grow.
How can you prevent polyp formation?
Reduce intake of high-fat foods, red meat and processed foods, stop smoking and exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meat. Don’t forget to increase your vitamin D and calcium intake such as:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Broccoli
How a colon polyp progresses to cancer
Source: HarvardHealth
Removing colon polyps
During colonoscopy, any polyp found will be burnt or cut off by using the wire loop of the colonoscope. In rare cases where polyps are too many, surgery might be indicated. A part of colon will be removed during such surgery. The polyps will be sent to the laboratory for further investigation for signs of cancer.
Polyps detected in Colonoscopy
During colonoscopy, if your doctor finds one or two small polyps (5 mm in diameter or smaller), you are considered at relatively low risk. Most people will not have a follow-up colonoscopy for at next five years, and possibly 10.
If the polyps are larger (10 mm or larger), more numerous, or abnormal in appearance under a microscope, you may have to repeat colonoscopy in three to five years.
If there are no polyps, “your cancer risk is essentially the average for the population, and you can wait 10 years for the next screening,” says a colorectal surgeon.
Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer
Going for health screenings and colonoscopy for those who are at risk, is imperative to stop colon cancer in its tracks. This simple step will save your life!
Find a Colorectal Surgeon in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore, on GetDoc
References
- Colon polyps. [Internet][cited 2019 February 14] Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
- Colon polyps. [Internet][cited 2019 February 14] Available from:
https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colon-polyps-basics
- Colorectal polyp. [Internet][cited 2019 February 14] Available from:
https://www.healthline.com/health/colorectal-polyps#takeaway
- Overview and types of polyps. [Internet][cited 2019 February 14] Available from:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-colon-polyps-796830
by Leelah
'' The first step towards a change is awareness !'' The saying which inspired the medical graduate to reach the public through GetDoc. View all articles by Leelah.
