Causes of colon polyps | Colon polyps

Causes of colon polyps

Colon polyps are caused by increased growth of the intestinal mucosa. Environmental influences and malnutrition are possible causes. Especially increased consumption of animal fat and proteins increases the risk of colon polyps.

The development of colon polyps can also be genetically determined. One risk factor for the development of papillary tumors is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This is a congenital disease in which a genetic mutation leads to the formation of numerous polyps (mucous membrane protrusions) in the colon.

There are a number of risk factors that promote the development of intestinal polyps. In addition to genetic factors, an unhealthy lifestyle favors the formation of polyps from the intestinal mucosa. These factors include an unhealthy diet, overweight, excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, and stress.

Intestinal polyps can occur either individually or in large numbers. If more than 100 polyps have formed in the intestine, this is called polyposis. In most cases a polyposis is inherited, a spontaneous occurrence of so many intestinal polyps is rather rare.

Polyposis occurs in a number of intestinal diseases, the most common clinical picture being familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This is a hereditary disease caused by the mutation of a tumor suppressor gene (APC gene). The affected persons usually show numerous adenomatous intestinal polyps in early years, especially in the colon (large intestine).

Since the entire colon is covered with polyps, there is a very high risk (almost 100%) that patients will develop colorectal cancer over time. Currently, the only treatment option is to remove the entire colon by colectomy. Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is another disease associated with colon polyps.Patients develop numerous polyps in the stomach and intestines.

The symptoms include severe diarrhea and weight loss as well as hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially on the arms. A therapy is currently not yet possible and many patients die within a short time after diagnosis. A very rare disease is familial juvenile polyposis.

In this inherited disease, numerous polyps are already formed in the entire digestive tract during childhood or adolescence, which can lead to chronic bleeding. Untreated, patients have a very high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Cowden’s syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are also hereditary diseases that are associated with an increased incidence of intestinal polyps.