Colon polyps (large intestine tumors)

Description Small growths in th...

Description

Small growths in the large intestine (colon). The growths stick out from the inner lining of the colon, and push into the empty space inside the colon. Colon polyps usually are harmless although some will turn into cancers. Whether cancerous or not, polyps can bleed. Polyps are more common in patients with the following characteristics: eat low fiber diets, family history of polyps, overweight, cigarette smoker, over 50 years old or family history of colon cancer. Some families have genetic conditions that cause multiple family members to have multiple polyps. One such condition is called familial adenomatous polyposis. The incidence of these polyps becoming cancerous is quite high and many doctors recommend removal of the colon to prevent cancer.

Symptoms

Rectal bleeding, bloody stools, maroon-colored stools. Rarely large polyps can cause a bowel obstruction leading to abdominal pain, abdominal distension and constipation.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy will be done to make the diagnosis. Special CT scans can diagnose polyps as well.

Tests:
Colonoscopy, CT Scan

Other Specific Tests: sigmoidoscopy


Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Treatment

Polyps generally are removed and examined under a microscope to detect early cancer and to prevent the polyps from becoming cancer later. Most polyps can be removed through the scope the doctor uses to identify the polyps (colonoscopy). Rarely a polyp is too large to be removed during colonoscopy and surgery is required. If a patient has familial adenomatous polyposis complete colon removal is recommended.