Colon Polyps
What are colon polyps?
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. A polyp can take on a variety of shapes — it can be flat, slightly raised (sessile), or on a stalk (pedunculated). Most colon polyps are harmless, but over time some can develop into cancer.
A colon polyp is the result of genetic changes in the cells of the colon lining that affect the normal cell life cycle. Many factors can increase the risk or rate of these changes, including:
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Eating processed foods and too much red meat
- Being of African American ethnicity
- Having a history of inflammatory bowel disease
What are the symptoms of colon polyps?
Colon polyps may not have symptoms, so regular screening is needed to help prevent a polyp from turning into colorectal cancer. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Bleeding
- Unexplained iron deficiency, anemia, or weight loss
- Change in normal bowel movement pattern
How are colon polyps treated?
To detect and remove colon polyps, Dr. Meyerson will do a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a long, thin, flexible tube is placed through the rectum and into the large intestine. The tube has a camera that shows images on a screen and allows polyps to be removed. When a colon polyp is removed, it will be biopsied to make sure there is no presence of cancer.