Colon Polyps

Colon Polyps Treatment Los Angeles

Colon polyps are common growths that develop on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most colon polyps are benign, some may progress into colorectal cancer if left untreated. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about colon polyps, including their types, symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.
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Overview

What are Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps are abnormal tissue growths that protrude from the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths can vary in size, shape, and appearance and are classified based on their histological features. While some polyps are non-neoplastic and do not carry a risk of cancer, others, such as adenomatous polyps, are considered precancerous and have the potential to develop into colorectal cancer over time.

Types of Colon Polyps?

  • Adenomatous Polyps: Adenomatous polyps are the most common type of colon polyp and are considered precancerous. These polyps can further be categorized into subtypes such as tubular adenomas, tubulovillous adenomas, and villous adenomas, based on their histological features. According to statistics, adenomatous polyps account for approximately 70-90% of all colorectal polyps.
  • Hyperplastic Polyps: Hyperplastic polyps are generally benign and do not carry a significant risk of cancer. These polyps are more common in the distal colon and rectum and are characterized by their smooth, rounded appearance under a microscope.
  • Inflammatory Polyps: Inflammatory polyps are typically associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are characterized by inflammation and swelling of the mucosal lining of the colon or rectum.
  • Sessile Serrated Polyps: Sessile serrated polyps are a type of precancerous polyp that can be challenging to detect during colonoscopy due to their flat, serrated appearance. These polyps are more commonly found in the proximal colon and are associated with an increased risk of interval colorectal cancer.

Symptoms & Causes

What causes Colon Polyps?

The exact cause of colon polyps is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to their development, including:

  • Age: The risk of developing colon polyps increases with age, with most polyps occurring in individuals over the age of 50.
  • Family History: A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps increases the risk of developing colon polyps.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory polyps.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as a high-fat, low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of colon polyps.

What are the symptoms of Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps often do not cause any symptoms and are usually discovered during routine screenings such as colonoscopies. However, larger polyps or those located in certain areas of the colon or rectum may cause symptoms such as:

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Anemia due to chronic blood loss
  • Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis & Screening

How are Colon Polyps diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests that may be used to detect colon polyps include:

  • Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum to visualize the colon and identify polyps.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure checks the lower part of the colon and rectum, similar to a colonoscopy. However, it doesn’t look at the entire colon and may miss polyps in the upper part.
  • Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography): This test uses CT scans to create detailed images of the colon and rectum. It’s less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy but still requires bowel preparation and may not find small polyps as effectively.
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): These stool tests check for blood, which can indicate colon polyps or cancer. They’re easy to do but not as accurate as colonoscopy for finding polyps.

Treatment

What are the treatment options for Colon Polyps?

The treatment of colon polyps depends on several factors, including the size, number, location, and histological type of the polyps. Treatment options may include:

  • Polypectomy: During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed using special instruments such as snares, forceps, or electrocautery. Polypectomy is a common and effective treatment for small polyps.
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): EMR is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove larger or flat polyps that cannot be removed by standard polypectomy techniques.
  • Surgical Resection: In cases where polyps are large, numerous, or high-risk, surgical resection of a segment of the colon or rectum may be necessary.
  • Surveillance Colonoscopy: After polyp removal, regular surveillance colonoscopies may be recommended to monitor for polyp recurrence or the development of new polyps.

Outlook/Prognosis

What is the outlook for Colon Polyps?

The prevention of any unpleasant medical condition is key to living a long and healthy life. When it comes to preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids here is what you should do:
  • Eat fiber – Add more fiber to your diet, either through food, a fiber supplement (such as Metamucil, Citrucel, or Fiber Con), or both. Fiber softens stools and makes them easier to pass, reducing the pressure that causes hemorrhoids. Add high-fiber foods like broccoli, beans, wheat, whole-grain foods, and fresh fruit to your diet. Start slowly, and gradually increase your intake to 25–30 grams per day.
  • Drink a lot of fluids – Drinking enough water is key to preventing the most common cause of hemorrhoids, constipation. Make sure you are staying adequately hydrated each day to promote healthy bowel movements and overall health. Fiber and water work go hand in hand to help move stool out of the body in an efficient manner.
  • Exercise – Regular moderate exercise contributes to keeping your bowel movements regular. For example, a brisk 20– 30-minute walk each day can help stimulate bowel function. Additionally, the more time you spend on your feet, the less time you spend seated, putting pressure on your pelvic area. That being said, some complications can be dangerous. When the intestines get trapped inside a hernia, it’s called strangulation, and it could lead to loss of blood supply to the area. To prevent the possibility of strangulation, doctors recommend hernia surgery for most patients. The question usually isn’t if a patient needs surgery, but when. Some can wait. Others can’t.
  • Avoid straining – Straining the pelvic area is the most basic cause of hemorrhoids. If you push too hard while trying to use the restroom, you can easily cause hemorrhoids. Heavy lifting activities can also contribute to pelvic pressure and cause hemorrhoids as well.
  • Treat the clot – When an external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot, the pain can be unbearable. If the clot has been present for longer than two days, apply over the counter treatments to try and relieve some of the symptoms. If the clot is more recent, hemorrhoids can be surgically removed or the clot can be withdrawn from the vein in a minor in-office procedure performed by a surgeon.

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Seeking care from a doctor specializing in Colon Polyps is essential for effective management. Our dedicated team of doctors are experienced in colon polyp treatment, ensuring that you receive expert care tailored to your condition. We're here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey to better health.

Surgery Group of LA is a multi-specialty surgical practice based in Los Angeles, dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care across a wide range of specialties including colorectal, thyroid, general, and minimally invasive surgery. Our board-certified surgeons are committed to delivering personalized treatment using the latest technology and techniques.

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