A polyp in the colon is a neoplasm of the intestinal or rectal wall tissue, which means that the cells that makeup said tissue multiply at a faster than average rate. The appearance of a polyp is that of a pea attached to the intestine by a stem of abnormal cells, with a diameter that can vary between 2mm to 5cm.
Polyps are generally benign, but some of them can lead to colon cancer, this malignancy being more frequent in larger polyps or in those called adenomatosis, which present ganglion cells. At FastlyHealwe, explain the symptoms and the most appropriate treatment of colon polyps so that you know all the information related to this condition.
What is the colon, and what is its function?
The colon or large intestine is located in the abdomen, being the last part of the digestive system and presenting different sections: the rectum, the descending colon, the transverse colon, the ascending colon, and the cecum. The functions of the large intestine are:
- Modify the remains of food that have not been absorbed in the small intestine and transform them into feces with the help of the bacterial flora.
- Reabsorb and filter water, soluble nutrients from the small intestine, and specific vitamins that it synthesizes, sending them to the blood and lymphatic pathways throughout the body.
- Defend our body against diseases since 80% of the immune system is found in the colon. Due to this, a perfect cleaning of the same helps the organism defend itself from potential alterations.
Causes and symptoms of colon polyps
The cause that causes most polyps is a modification of DNA, a genetic mutation in the tissue cells that lines the inner part of the intestine. Cancer can occur with several mutations, but generally, the polyps are benign and have a single genetic modification.
As for the symptoms of this condition, generally, a person with colon polyps is asymptomatic; that is, no signs indicate this condition is manifested.
On some occasions, if the polyp is large or has villi, the following symptoms may appear:
- Rectorrhagia is bleeding in which red blood is lost through the anus, sometimes alone and sometimes accompanying the stool.
- Retortijones, dolor abdominal.
- Abundant watery diarrhea when the polyps have villi that excrete water and salts. This can lead to hypokalemia, lowering potassium levels in the blood.
Diagnosis of this condition
To diagnose polyps in the colon, the doctor can feel them by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, but generally, colonoscopy is used. This method is very reliable and indicates the presence of one or more polyps and identifies if any of them are cancerous.
Performing this test also allows the extraction of a tissue sample, called a biopsy, which will later be examined under a microscope to give a more accurate diagnosis. In our article colonoscopy: what it is and how to prepare we give you all the information you need about this medical procedure.
Treatment of polyps in the colon
In the case of polyps in the colon, doctors recommend their removal due to the possibility that they can become cancerous. These polyps are removed during a colonoscopy using a wire loop or a sharp instrument.
The polyp does not have a stem of certain types, and its removal is more complicated, thus resorting to abdominal surgery. If we are dealing with a cancerous polyp, mainly if cancer has colonized the polyp stalk, we will resort to the surgical removal of the affected segment of the large intestine and the subsequent anastomosis or union of the two cut ends. Once a polyp has been removed from a person, it is essential to have regular examinations of the entire intestine and rectum through colonoscopy.
Suppose you suspect that you may present this pathology in the colon. In that case, you should go to a gastroenterologist for an examination, performing the relevant tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis that allows the correct treatment of your alteration.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Polyps in the colon: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.