Abnormal growths called polyps may appear in your intestine. Although they look harmless, some may be cancerous or on the way to becoming cancerous.
Polyps represent additional tissue that grows in different parts of the digestive system, although they are most frequently found in the colon.
The colon is the longest section of the large intestine. It is a type of tube connected to the small intestine at one end and to the anus at the other.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery explains that this problem is common and occurs in 15 to 20 percent of the adult population.
These usually appear in people over 50 years of age, as well as in those with a hereditary tendency, those who have had this condition previously, or those who have a history of colon cancer.
The likelihood of developing them increases when you are overweight or smoke, explains Juan Carlos Ortiz, gastroenterologist and vice president of the Guatemalan Gastroenterology Association.
This is how they are located and extracted
Polyps do not cause symptoms. Although some patients may experience rectal bleeding, a change in stool color or black color, as well as other discomforts such as constipation, diarrhea, and other conditions, gastroenterologist Fabricio Alvarado adds.
It is important to visit a doctor for any of these changes in the body.
Hector Luna, gastrointestinal surgeon and endoscopist at Clínicas Punto 10, explains that the vast majority of cases are detected while patients are being evaluated for a colonoscopy referred for another condition.
Depending on the clinic where the procedure is being performed, the person in charge of the evaluation may act and remove it during the exam; if it is very large or complicated, a biopsy will be performed to examine it and thus confirm whether it is benign or malignant.
Luna adds that some large ones could even obstruct the intestines. This is related to abdominal pain and colic.
“This protocol of removing them when they are seen is common in advanced endoscopy clinics because they have more knowledge and tools to do it,” adds Ortiz.
However, if the clinic is only diagnostic, the patient will be referred to another specialist for follow-up. In any case, the objective is to remove the polyp as soon as possible and evaluate it.
The latter is because some of them, even if they are small, have the potential to become malignant and this step would represent a step forward in avoiding future cancer, says Ortiz.
The encounter with cancer
Cancer can be found in different stages, from stage one which has not spread to stage four which is spread to different organs.
Each will undergo a treatment process that may include chemotherapy, radiation, and a variety of surgeries, to name a few treatments.
In the early stages, it will be recommended to remove the polyps because the cancer is small and localized.
For larger polyps, it may also be necessary to remove some of the lining of the colon.
In advanced stages, a partial colectomy, in which part of the colon is removed, is suggested. The Mayo Clinic says that when healthy parts of the colon or rectum can’t be reconnected, you may need an ostomy.
This procedure involves opening a portion of the remaining intestine in the abdominal wall for the removal of stool into a bag that fits securely over the opening.
In some cases that are too advanced, surgery will only be performed to improve the quality of life of the patient, but it will not be possible to offer other alternatives to the patient.
The topic of prevention
Colon and bowel health begins with a healthy diet, says Alvarado.
The doctors consulted insist on the consumption of foods with fiber. Fruits, vegetables, granola, and nuts are some of the foods that help maintain better digestion.
It is suggested to avoid highly seasoned food, and excessive coffee and limit the consumption of red meat, especially in areas that are overly roasted.
Drinking enough water, two to three liters a day, and exercising are also part of it.
Including a complete stool evaluation every year in your health routine is positive and can rule out traces of blood in your stool. It is important to note that a negative result does not rule out the presence of polyps.
Luna also added that starting at age 40, a colonoscopy should be performed at least once every two years, especially if there is a family history of polyps or colon cancer.
Colonoscopy will be more frequent in people who have already had polyps or cancer because it is a way to follow up on the case and evaluate the process. After five years without any other manifestations, the person is considered cancer-free, adds Ortiz.
Statistics add that when a polyp is discovered, a complete inspection of the colon is required because 30% of patients will have more than one of these abnormal growths.