Sessile polyps are caused by abnormal cell growth and can be triggered by various factors. They can occur in different parts of the body and are more likely to become cancerous if larger. Risk factors include age, family history, smoking, obesity, and certain conditions. Prevention includes avoiding risk factors, getting enough vitamin D, and following a fibrous diet. Regular screenings are also important for early detection and removal.
Like other polyps, a sessile polyp is caused by abnormal cell growth, which can be triggered by a variety of factors. Some of these factors are preventable, some are not. Factors that contribute to the development of a sessile polyp include age, race, a family history of polyps, smoking, obesity, and certain digestive conditions.
All polyps develop because cells have grown abnormally. Although cancer manifests similarly, this does not mean that all polyps are cancerous, although they can become malignant. The larger the polyp, the more likely it is to become cancerous.
Sessile polyps are one of several types of polyps. This polyp is usually large and flat in shape, as opposed to other polyps which might be mushroom-shaped and contain a stalk. Although polyps are generally thought to develop in the colon, they can also occur in the stomach, nose, uterus, sinuses, bladder, and other parts of the body. Colon polyps are perhaps the most feared type of polyps due to the increased risk of colon cancer occurring.
While these polyps don’t have a single root cause, there are a few factors that put you at greater risk of developing sessile polyps. People over the age of 40 are at a higher risk, as are those with a family history of polyps, sessile or otherwise. Someone suffering from a chronic colon or digestive condition, such as Crohn’s disease, is more likely to develop polyps.
Certain genetic mutations can make a person prone to polyps. Smoking and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of polyps. Race can also be a factor. People of African descent may be more likely to develop polyps.
The symptoms of sessile polyps are varied and depend on which part of the body is affected. Polyps can cause discomfort or bleed, but often have no symptoms. Treatment depends on the extent of the condition. Smaller, benign polyps are often simply left alone. Larger or cancerous polyps are removed with forceps or a simple surgical procedure.
You can reduce your chances of developing this type of polyp by mitigating preventable risk factors, such as not smoking and avoiding obesity. Additionally, studies have shown that getting enough vitamin D can help, as well as following a fibrous diet. Reducing your intake of red meat and getting plenty of exercise are also helpful.
Screens are also vital for capturing sessile polyps early in their development. People aged 50 and older should have regular colonoscopies to detect polyps. Polyps that are detected early can be removed by a surgeon, which can prevent complications such as cancer from developing.
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