Colon polyps are common growths that appear on the interior lining of the colon. Though they are very common, they are nothing to overlook when it comes to treatment. As a person gets older, the risk of developing polyps increases, though they can impact anyone at any age. About half of all people who are over the age of 60 will have at least one polyp. In many cases, these are nothing to worry about, but you should still see your colon doctor in Brooklyn to ensure these polyps are not a risk factor for you.
The problem with colon polyps is that, in some cases, they can grow large and they can become cancerous. Since colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, we recognize the need to pay careful attention to polyps. Screening for them and treatment of them is necessary for all people. It’s important that colon polyps are caught before they become cancerous. In this case, they tend to be easy to remove and harmless.
When Are Colon Polyps Cancerous?
Adenomatous polyps, or adenomas, are cancerous polyps. About 75 percent of all colon polyps can fit into this category. There are various subtypes of these polyps as well. They differ in the way that the cells within the polyp are assembled when they are looked at under a microscope. Some include tubular, villous, and tubulovillous adenomas. Villous adenomas are the highest risk because they are more likely to become cancerous. Tubular adenomas are the least likely.
When Should You Be Screened for Colon Polyps?
The American Cancer Society has established some guidelines for screening for colon polyps. Again, this is very important since these polyps are very common and can become cancerous especially if untreated for a long time. The goal is to screen individuals to minimize the risk of colon cancer occurring by detecting and removing the polyps as soon as possible.
Once you reach the age of 40, you may need to begin screenings for colon cancer. At this age, you will have a stool specimen tested for occult blood. This is blood that is unable to be seen by the naked eye. This should be done annually. This type of screening is necessary because many times polyps, as they get larger, will bleed into the intestine. The blood then mixes into the stool. This can be an early warning sign of large, and potentially cancerous polyps.
Once you reach the age of 50, you will likely have a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is done every three to five years. This is a two and one-half foot tube that is a half an inch in diameter. It has a light at the very end of it. It is inserted through the anus to look at the interior of the colon. It can see about one-third of the colon’s total length. If, during this screening, adenomatous polyps are found, your doctor will recommend a full colonoscopy. This procedure is similar, though it uses a longer tube, generally as long as five feet, that looks at the entire interior of the colon. During this procedure, if your doctor finds any existing polyps, he or she can remove them. They are then tested under a microscope to determine if there are any cancerous cells present.
If you are at an average risk of having colon cancer, your doctor may recommend a preventative, screening colonoscopy rather than the flexible sigmoidoscopy. For those who are over the age of 50, and every 7 to 10 years thereafter, you should have a full colonoscopy whether or not any polyps have been found.
Why Should You Have a Colonoscopy?
The reasoning behind colonoscopies is very simple. First, the colonoscopy is likely to provide a good image of the colon – and the entire length of it. As a result, it provides a much clearer image of what’s happening within your colon. Since about 50 percent of colon polyps and colon cancers are located in the upper portion of the colon, in the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon, the flexible sigmoidoscope is unable to find them. These would be missed by the flexible sigmoidoscopy, making them less beneficial to you.
In addition to this, the National Polyp Study, a large, scientific study, found that the use of a colonoscopy to remove all of the colon polyps present can reduce the number of deaths from colon cancer. As a result, you should call your colonoscopy doctor at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway office in Brooklyn, NY to have this procedure done as frequently as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Polyps
How common are colon polyps among older adults?
Colon polyps are very common, especially as people get older. By age 50, about one in three adults may have at least one colon polyp. The risk continues to increase with age. This is why routine screening is so important, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.
What do colon polyps look like?
Colon polyps are small growths that form on the lining of the colon. Some look like tiny bumps, while others may appear flat or have a short stalk, resembling a broccoli floret or a mushroom. They are usually small and cannot be felt or detected without special medical tests.
Do colon polyps cause symptoms?
The vast majority of polyps are asymptomatic. Many people are surprised to learn they have polyps during a routine screening. However, larger polyps may cause bleeding, which can be microscopic and manifest as black, tarry stools or iron-deficiency anemia. Colon polyps can also cause changes in bowel habits or abdominal discomfort, but this is less common.
Is a colon polyp different from a hemorrhoid?
Yes, they are not the same. Colon polyps are little growths that occur inside the colon. Hemorrhoids are swollen or irritated veins near the anal or rectal area. Hemorrhoids often cause pain or itching, whereas polyps rarely cause symptoms.
Are all colon polyps pre-cancerous?
No. Some abnormal growths are benign. Remember, there are several types of colon polyps. Some types are harmless and never turn into cancer. However, certain polyps can slowly develop into colorectal cancer over time. But even those pre-cancerous polyps may never turn into cancer. They just have potential. Because you never know, that’s why we remove pre-cancerous polyps early as an essential part of cancer prevention.
Which types of colon polyps should I be most concerned with?
Certain polyps have worrisome features that make them more concerning than others. Your gastroenterologist will likely focus on these features.
- Number: The higher the number of pre-cancerous polyps, the higher the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Type: Adenomatous and sessile serrated polyps are the types most likely to become cancerous if left untreated.
- Size: Anything larger than 1 centimeter is cause for concern.
- Histology: The way the cells appear under a microscope can tell whether your polyps are riskier.
How does my GI doctor detect colon polyps?
While other tests exist, colonoscopies are the most accurate for detecting polyps. A colonoscopy allows your Brooklyn GI specialist to examine the entire colon using a small camera. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be used, but it only examines about a third of the colon.
At what age should I start getting screened for colon polyps?
For most adults, colon cancer screening begins at age 45. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, your doctor may recommend starting earlier. Regular screening helps detect polyps before they become a serious problem.
How does my Brooklyn GI specialist remove colon polyps?
Most colon polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. The doctor attaches a wire snare on the colonoscope and painlessly cuts off the polyp from the colon lining without surgery. The tissue is then sent to a lab for testing. Removing polyps early is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
How can Brooklyn residents access screening and treatment for colon polyps?
Polyps are not cancer. However, they can become cancerous. We remove them to deny them that chance. Are you due for a colonoscopy screening? Are you concerned that you may have pre-cancerous polyps? Call 718 521-2840 and schedule a consultation with Atlantic Gastroenterology for expert care.