Tutorial

Colonic Polyps Description

Colonic Polyps are small clumps of cells that forms in the lining of the large intestine (colon). Although Colon Polyps are harmless, but in some cases can become cancerous over time.

Anyone can have polyps in the colon. People who have a high risk of Colonic Polyps that are older than 50 years, overweight or a smoker, eat a high fat and less fiber, and who have a family history of colon polyps or been affected by colon cancer.

Colonic Polyps usually cause no symptoms, so experts recommend screening (examination) on a regular basis. Colonic Polyps were found in the early stages can usually be cured completely. Screening helps prevent colon cancer, because the disease is often fatal when detected at an advanced stage.

There are three main types of Colonic Polyps:

1. Adenomatous

Most polyps are included in this category. Although only a small polyp that develops into cancer, but almost all malignant polyp from adenomatous type.

2. Hyperplastic

These polyps most often occur in the colon and rectum. Usually has a size of <1 / 4 inch (5 mm), this very rare type of polyps develop into cancer.

3. Inflammation

These polyps can accompany an attack of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease of the colon. Although the polyps themselves are not too dangerous, but have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease of the colon increase the risk of colon cancer.

Cause

Most polyps do not progress to malignant or cancerous. But like most cancers, polyps are the result of abnormal cell growth. Healthy cells grow and divide regularly which is a process controlled by genes.

Mutations in each of these genes can cause cells to continue dividing even when new cells are not needed. If the division of cells in the colon and rectum are not controlled, it can cause the formation of polyps.

During the long period of time, some polyps can become malignant. Polyps can develop in any part in the colon. Polyps can be small or large and flat (sessile) or shaped like a mushroom or the like attached to the stem (pedunculated). In general, the larger the size of the polyp, the more likely to develop into cancer.

Symptom

Colonic Polyps often appear without any symptoms, Colonic Polyps are often not detected until examination by a physician. However, actually a few signs and symptoms that can lead to Colonic Polyps, among others:

1. Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding is not necessarily a symptom of colon polyps, but you should consult your doctor if you experience this condition.

2. Constipation or diarrhea

Although a change in bowel habits that lasts more than a week may indicate the presence of Colonic Polyps, but also can be a symptom of another disease.

3. Painful

Sometimes it can clog the intestine colon polyps, which can cause constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

When to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor if you see any signs and symptoms of the following:

1. Abdominal pain

2. Blood in the stool / feces

3. Changes in bowel habits that lasts more than a week

Treatment

Although some types of Colonic Polyps more likely to develop into malignant, the pathologist usually must examine a polyp tissue under a microscope to determine whether it has the potential to become cancerous. For this reason, your doctor will likely perform a biopsy (taking a thin layer of tissue for histological examination) in polyps were found.

1. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Most polyps can be removed during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy using arches (loops) of wire that simultaneously cuts and cauterizes polyp stalk to prevent bleeding. Some small polyps can be burnt or burned with electrical current (Electrosurgery). Risk taking polyps (polypectomy) include bleeding and perforation (hole) colon.

2. Operation

Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is not too safe in polyps that are too large, so that often surgery is usually performed using laparoscopic techniques. After the colon contained polyps removed, the polyps can still grow back on the other surface of the colon, so it is important to closely monitor the condition of the colon.

3. Endoscopic mucosal resection

Some medical centers perform endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to remove larger polyps with the colonoscope. With this technique, a liquid such as saline is injected under the polyps to remove and isolate the polyp from the surrounding tissue. This makes it easier to remove larger polyps. With this procedure, you can avoid surgery, but no further study of the complications that can arise in this procedure.

4. Appointment of the colon and rectum

In rare cases, syndromes such as familial adenomatous inherited polyposis (FAP), the surgeon may perform surgery to remove the entire colon and rectum (proctocolectomy total). Then, in a procedure known as ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, a pouch is constructed from the tip of the small intestine (ileum) is attached directly to the anus. This allows it to be able to dispose of feces normally, despite causing more frequent bowel movements and with a more watery consistency.