Polyps are cell clusters that grow on mucous membranes, with colon polyps being the most common. Regular exams, especially for those over 50, are important. Different types of polyps exist, with adenomatous being the most common. Symptoms include bloody stools, rectal bleeding, and thin, ribbon-like stools.
Polyps, both malignant and benign, are cell clusters that grow on the mucous membranes of the body. Areas where they occur most often include the sinuses, nose, and stomach. The bladder and uterus are also common sights; however, they are more common in the colon. It is possible to find polyps in other areas of the lining, such as the small intestine or cervix, but this is less likely. A malignant or cancerous polyp often starts out as benign and changes over time.
Colon polyps occur frequently with few or no symptoms until the disease has progressed seriously. For this reason, regular exams including colonoscopy are important for anyone over the age of 50. In addition to the elderly, smokers, people who habitually consume alcohol and those who eat a lot of fat calories and little fiber have an increased presence of polyps. Overweight individuals are at increased risk as are those of African American or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Anyone with a family history of cancer, especially colon cancer, who also belongs to one of the above groups is at increased risk and should be diligent with regular screenings for cancerous polyps.
There are different types of polyps. The first distinction involves how the polyp is attached. Some grow from the mucosal surface via a thin stalk; these are pedunculated polyps. Others appear directly on the surface without the connecting stem; these are sessile polyps. A large, sessile growth is much more likely to become a cancerous polyp than a small, pedunculated one.
Other distinctions between colonic polyp types include adenomatous, inflammatory, and hyperplastic. Adenomatous polyps are the most common, making up over 60% of all polyps. Most don’t actually become cancerous; however, since nearly two-thirds of all polyps fall into this category, statistically most of those that are actually cancerous are adenomatous.
Inflammatory polyps occur most often due to ulcerative colitis or in patients with Crohn’s disease. These two conditions increase the risk of colon cancer; however, it should be noted that inflammatory polyps are the least cancerous. However, anyone who has had bouts of irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or other intestinal disorders should have regular checkups. The great majority of the rest fall into the category of hyperplastic polyps. They are more likely to be found in the descending colon and rectum. They are almost always benign and remain so.
While a cancerous polyp often causes no symptoms, those in high-risk groups should be familiar with the symptoms that can occur. One symptom is bloody stools, which may contain red, bloody streaks or may be black and tarry in appearance. Rectal bleeding, another symptom, can show up as a spot or streak of red blood on toilet paper; however, this is also a very common symptom of hemorrhoids or anal tears. Stools that are consistently thin and ribbon-like may indicate the presence of colon cancer. Although pain is not strongly associated with a cancerous polyp, a malignant mass blocking the intestines can cause nausea and sometimes vomiting and abdominal cramps.
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