A colonic polyp is a polyp of the large intestine. This refers to protrusions on the lining of the intestine.
What are colonic polyps?
Colon polyps are polyps of the large intestine (colon). These are structures of the intestinal mucosa. They protrude into the cavity of the intestine. The forms of colon polyps are different. Thus, there may be a connection between them and the intestinal mucosa, or there may be a villous form. Sometimes they sit flat on the mucosa. The tissue of the polyps also turns out differently. However, most of them are composed of the glandular tissue of the intestinal mucosa. Physicians then refer to the polyps as adenomas, which are basically benign structures. However, they are at risk of degenerating into malignant cancer. Older people over the age of 70 are particularly affected by colonic polyps. Thus, polyps are found in about 50 percent of them. Besides adenomas, there are also other colonic polyps. These are hamartomas, hyperplastic polyps as well as inflammatory polyps. Unlike inflammatory and hyperplastic colon polyps, adenomatous polyps can degenerate into cancer. Thus, most colorectal cancer carcinomas result from adenomas. Adenomatous polyps are neoplasms of the epithelium. As long as the lamina muscularis mucosae is intact, the adenoma is not classified as malignant. However, if it breaks through, there is invasive colon carcinoma. About 50 percent of all colon polyps are located in the rectum. The farther up the colon, the fewer polyps are found.
Causes
Within the mucosa of the human gastrointestinal tract, continual renewal takes place. This involves the shedding of old mucosal cells, which are subsequently replaced by new cells. The formation of polyps is mostly due to a disturbance of this balance. Thus, more cells are formed than old cells can be replaced. The excess of cells results in their protrusion into the intestinal lumen. Doctors then speak of neoplastic or hyperplastic colon polyps. Sometimes the excessive cell division is related to changes in the cells. In some people, the characteristics of the mucosal cells continue to change, so that over time the colon polyp develops into a malignant tumor arising from the intestinal wall. However, in individual cases it is not possible to predict whether the polyp will degenerate and at what point this will occur. Occasionally, colonic polyps also arise from disorders that are already congenital. They already show up in large numbers in young people and are not infrequently accompanied by further tissue growths. Inheritance of colon polyps is also within the realm of possibility. In this case, certain defective genes are passed on to the children, causing the polyps to develop much earlier than usual. At the same time, the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
In the early stages, no symptoms are usually noticed due to colonic polyps. In rare cases, however, bleeding may occur, which is noticeable by reddish discoloration of the stool. If the bleeding persists, there is a risk of anemia (anemia). This can be associated with symptoms such as weakness and dizziness. Mucus is also produced by some colonic polyps. As a result, patients present with mucopurulent stools. Mucus production leads to a loss of proteins, electrolytes and water. In addition, cramping abdominal pain as well as diarrhea are evident. However, some people also suffer from constipation because of the polyps.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
If the affected person feels unclear intestinal complaints, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. The specialist first looks at the patient’s medical history (anamnesis). The patient is asked whether he or she suffers from irregular bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation, whether there is blood or mucus in the feces, whether there is a family history of intestinal diseases, and whether there has been any recent unwanted weight loss. The next step is a physical examination. During this, the doctor listens to sounds of the intestines with the help of a stethoscope. He also checks the abdomen for any hardening. It is possible to visualize the colon polyps by sonography (ultrasound examination). However, only smaller sections of the intestine can be checked with this.Therefore, a colonoscopy (colonoscopy) usually takes place. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a special colonoscope equipped with a camera into the intestine and searches it for possible polyps. If a colon polyp is discovered, it is immediately removed and examined in a laboratory. About two-thirds of all affected individuals do not experience health problems caused by colon polyps until the end of their lives. In rare cases, however, complications such as a dangerous intestinal obstruction occur. Bleeding from the polyps can also cause problems.
Complications
Colonic polyps usually cause discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Those affected mainly suffer from severe abdominal pain and stomach aches. These can reduce the quality of life and make the daily life of the affected person more difficult. In general, there is also a reduced ability to cope with stress and a general feeling of illness. It is not uncommon for patients to also suffer from diarrhea and constipation. The bowel movements themselves are mucous and there is further dizziness and vomiting. In some cases, bleeding also occurs, which can stain the stool red. It is not uncommon for a bloody bowel movement to cause panic attacks or sweating. Without treatment, colonic polyps can lead to intestinal obstruction, which is a very dangerous condition for the affected person. The treatment of colonic polyps is usually done by surgical intervention. There are usually no particular complications or discomforts. Furthermore, successful treatment also results in a positive course of the disease. Life expectancy is not reduced if there is early diagnosis and treatment of colonic polyps.
When should you see a doctor?
If reddish discoloration of the stool or unusual feelings of weakness and dizziness are noticed, a colonic polyp may be underlying. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the symptoms appear for no apparent reason and persist for more than a few days. If the symptoms greatly affect the well-being, a doctor is consulted immediately at best. This also applies to complications, such as constipation or persistent abdominal pain. Diarrhea, deficiency symptoms, chronic fatigue and severe pain in the gastrointestinal tract also require a medical diagnosis. If the colon polyp is treated early, the prognosis is good. However, if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, including intestinal rupture. To avoid this, the family doctor or a gastroenterologist should be consulted at the first sign of disease. People who already suffer from a disease of the gastrointestinal tract should inform the responsible physician about the unusual symptoms. A colonic polyp can also be inherited, so pregnant women who have once had a colonic polyp themselves should have the child examined regularly.
Treatment and therapy
Because colonic polyps are at risk of degenerating into a cancerous tumor, therapy consists of removing the growths. Often, this can be done during the first colonoscopy. If the polyp is very large, it must be removed by surgery. If the tissue has been successfully operated out, a microscopic examination takes place to rule out malignant disease. In some cases, colon polyps grow back or form again in another part of the intestine. For this reason, regular checkups should be performed.
Outlook and prognosis
If diagnosed early and treatment is initiated, the prognosis for a colonic polyp is favorable. The change in tissue is usually completely removed in a local procedure. This is a routine procedure, with freedom from symptoms expected following wound healing. If the affected person does not seek medical care, the prospect of recovery deteriorates significantly. This type of polyp carries the potential for mutation. As a result, cancer can develop. If cancer cells are able to spread unhindered in the organism, the worst case scenario can result in the premature death of the affected person. Therefore, the later a doctor is consulted and a diagnosis is made, the less favorable the course of the disease and the prospect of alleviating the symptoms.Despite an achieved recovery, a new development of a colonic polyp may occur in the further course of life. The prognosis is unchanged in the case of a recurrence of the polyp. It should be taken into account that this disease often occurs in people at an advanced age. In most cases, the organism is already weakened and the probability of the presence of other diseases is increased. Therefore, the overall physical condition of the patient must be taken into account during treatment.
Prevention
There are no useful preventive measures against the development of a colonic polyp. Thus, the exact course of development of colonic polyps could not be found out so far.
Follow-up
As a risk factor for colon cancer, the colon polyp basically requires consistent follow-up care. In most cases, it is removed. Follow-up after the brief colonoscopy procedure is straightforward. Only the patient is careful not to strain the intestine immediately after the laxative procedure and the removal of the polyp. Avoidance of flatulent foods is essential for recovery. Drinking sufficient amounts of fluids helps the stool to glide and thus further protects the intestines. If the polyp has not been removed for any reason, regular monitoring is important. The intervals for this are determined by the gastroenterologist or internist treating the patient. This also applies to cases in which several polyps have been removed or if there is a known family predisposition to intestinal polyps. Furthermore, the patient pays attention to bleeding during follow-up care. These should not occur after the removal of the polyps or should be minor and are always a reason for consultation with the physician. Colon polyp follow-up is closely related to colorectal cancer screening. In addition to regular checks by colonoscopy, the fecal occult blood test can be used, the small letters of which are also available in pharmacies. In addition, abstaining from nicotine and heavy alcohol consumption is always useful.
This is what you can do yourself
If a colon polyp is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. Various self-help measures and home remedies support medical treatment and relieve symptoms. If feelings of weakness and dizziness recur, bed rest is indicated. As a precaution, the affected person should take it easy and talk to the doctor again if the symptoms are severe. In the case of cramping abdominal pain or diarrhea, a gentle diet is recommended. Warmth and well-tried household remedies such as herbal tea provide additional relief. Homeopathy recommends Schüßler salts and the preparation Carbo Vegetabilis. Accompanying these measures, the cause of the development of the colon polyps should be determined. In most cases, colon polyps are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or a previous tumor disease. If the cause is diet, this must be changed in collaboration with a nutritionist. However, if it is a recurrence of a previous tumor, further medical examination is required. It is possible that metastases have also formed in other regions of the body, which must be diagnosed and treated. Because colon polyps can also form recurrences or reappear in a different part of the intestine, regular checkups by a specialist are recommended after initial treatment.
