Polyps in the intestine
Polyps in the intestine are thickened new formations of the intestinal mucosa, which protrude into the intestinal interior. Most commonly, they affect the large intestine, but they can occur in any section of the gastrointestinal tract.In most cases, these growths are benign, but they can degenerate and thus pose a risk of colon cancer. The larger the polyps become, the greater the risk that the cells degenerate and cancer develops.
For a polyp size of about one centimeter there is a risk of about 1%, for a size of four centimeters the risk increases to about 20%. Polyps in the intestine occur in different forms: They can be pedunculated with a narrow base, sessile and broad-based, tuberous or round. There are also hereditary (e.g. familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or Cowden syndrome) and non-hereditary forms.
It is estimated that every tenth person has polyps in the intestine, but intestinal polyps usually occur from the 6th decade of life onwards. The causes are assumed to be poor eating habits (high-fat and low-fiber), little exercise, poisonous substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, and overweight. Polyps in the intestine are usually a chance finding during colonoscopy, as small polyps often do not cause any symptoms.
In most cases, symptoms only occur when the polyps have reached a certain size. Then irregularities in the stool (such as diarrhea or constipation) and abdominal pain may occur. They can also be the cause of blood in the stool or black coloration of the stool.
In this case, a medical examination should be performed immediately. The diagnosis is made by a colonoscopy. A flexible tube equipped with a camera is inserted through the anus to the beginning of the colon, slowly pulled back and the mucous membrane of the colon is assessed.
Even small samples can be taken during the examination, which takes place with the administration of a sleeping pill, in order to clarify possible changes. If the polyp is not too large, it can be removed in the same session if necessary. The examination is carried out on an outpatient basis in specialized internal medicine practices.
and This is how colon polyps are removedThe therapy is carried out as described by removing smaller polyps with forceps during the colonoscopy. Larger polyps can be removed with an electrical loop. The removal of the polyps usually causes no pain.
If the polyps are larger than 3 cm or if there are a lot of polyps, surgery is usually necessary. After the removal, the intestinal polyps are always examined in fine tissue to ensure that they are benign new formations. A regular follow-up examination or colon cancer screening is indicated.
Colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy is the most effective form of early detection of colorectal cancer and the costs for this are covered by the statutory health insurance from the age of 55. If there is a suspicion of a genetically increased risk of colorectal cancer, screening measures should start earlier. This also applies to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, as there is also an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Uterine polyps (uterine polyps) are usually benign changes in the lining of the uterus. The polyps can be stalked (with a narrow base) or unstemmed (with a broad base) and have a size of a few millimeters to several centimeters. If the polyp is pedunculated, which is more common, it can grow from the uterus through the cervix into the vagina.
Polyps in the uterus can occur at any age, but it is mainly women in and during menopause who are affected due to the hormonal changes. A cause for uterine polyps is not clearly established, but a connection with hormone production and above all a dependence on the estrogen level is suspected. Oestrogen is the female sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries and to a lesser extent by the adrenal gland.
Other risk factors are permanently high blood pressure (arterial hypertension), overweight and a history of polyps. Hormone replacement therapy and the use of tamoxifen (used in the treatment of breast cancer) also increase the risk of polyps in the uterus. Often uterine polyps do not cause symptoms.
Possible symptoms would be irregular menstruation, very heavy menstruation (menorrhagia) or vaginal bleeding after menopause. Vaginal bleeding after menopause should be clarified immediately, as it can often be a symptom of uterine cancer. If the polyp is well supplied with blood, spotting may occur outside the period.If it is particularly large, it can cause pain in the abdomen, especially during intercourse.
Contraction-like pain can also occur when the uterus tries to push the polyp away. Polyps can be a cause of infertility if they grow so unfavourably that they block sperm from entering the uterus or by acting like a natural intrauterine device (coil) and preventing the fertilised egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. Miscarriages can also be caused by polyps in the uterus.
Polyps of the uterus are often found by chance during gynaecological examinations. They can be diagnosed by ultrasound, endometriosis or speculum examination (examination of the vagina using a special mirror). A tissue sample helps to detect malignant degenerations at an early stage.
However, uterine polyps are often benign new growths. Non-symptomatic polyps do not necessarily have to be removed, but surgery is often recommended. The polyps are removed by means of a scraping (curettage), which takes place under general anesthesia. If a precancerous stage or cancer is suspected, the operation is extended accordingly. The course of uterine polyps is usually good, but after an operation polyps rarely reappear.
