Polyps (Tumor): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Polyps are usually benign growths, tumors, or protrusions in the mucous membrane. Polyps can grow in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the intestines, nose, and uterus. They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and should be removed. Polyps (tumors) can degenerate over time and cause cancer.

What are polyps?

Polyps in the nose are often enlarged adenoids and are usually always benign. Only if the affected person suffers severely from discomfort, these nasal polyps can be surgically removed in an operation. Polyps in the intestine are usually incidental findings that are usually detected during preventive medical checkups. Intestinal polyps are protrusions in the intestinal mucosa. As long as these growths are benign, they are referred to as adenomas. Polyps vary in shape, size and number. They can be broad-based and sit on the mucosa or have a polyp stalk. Adenomas usually grow a maximum of 1 mm per year. In the further course, a benign adenoma can develop into a so-called carcinoma (malignant tumor). The proportion of intestinal polyps is over 90 percent and is one of the most common benign polyps (tumors).

Causes

Polyps can have a variety of causes. Proven causes include infection by viruses or bacteria, disease, dietary patterns, and genetic defects. In the case of nasal polyps, it has been observed that affected individuals often suffer from viral or bacterial infections. Asthmatics also show a more frequent occurrence of polyps. In the case of intestinal polyps, diet plays a major role. An unbalanced diet with a high proportion of animal fats and a low fiber content promotes the development of polyps. Studies have also shown that smoking, alcohol and obesity are important factors in the development of polyps. Certain hereditary diseases, such as Gardner syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, Cowden syndrome and Turcot syndrome, are associated with an increased incidence of intestinal polyps. In association with these diseases, the risk of benign polyps developing into carcinoma (colon cancer) is greatly increased.

Symptoms, complaints and signs

Nasal polyps often go unnoticed for a long time. When they increase in size or block the sinuses, this can lead to breathing difficulties. Affected individuals then exhibit noticeable mouth breathing and increased susceptibility to infection. The permanent mouth breathing also dries out the oral mucosa, which can lead to bad breath and inflammation. Those affected snore in their sleep and have a nasally voice. Since the polyps block the path to the olfactory cells, olfactory disorders may develop. If several polyps occur, the ability to smell completely stops. Sufferers also often experience migraine attacks and suffer from chronic fatigue. In the long term, nasal polyps can lead to persistent sinusitis, which is manifested by headaches and pressure pain over the sinuses, among other symptoms. In general, affected individuals often suffer from colds such as rhinitis or inflammation of the bronchial tubes and sinuses. If the nasal polyps are not treated, further complications may occur. In adults, there is a risk of chronic hypoxia of the organs and brain, which can result in neurological damage, among other things. In children, chronic polyps can lead to deformities of the nose and eyes. This can lead to breathing difficulties, visual disturbances, and mental discomfort.

Diagnosis and course

Polyps are diagnosed depending on the specialty. Polyps in the nose are usually diagnosed by the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. With the help of an otoscope as well as an endoscope the nasal passages as well as the sinuses are examined. Furthermore, radiological examinations such as computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are performed. Polyps in the intestine are diagnosed by the internist. In the case of polyps in the lower part of the rectum, an initial diagnosis is made by means of palpation. If the rectal palpation reveals positive findings, a colonoscopy is usually performed. Colonoscopy provides a deep insight into the large intestine up to the small intestine. Polyps discovered can be removed immediately during the examination using so-called grasping instruments and examined for malignancy (cancer).The course of polyps can be assessed differently. Since polyps are benign at the beginning, they usually do not cause any complaints. Nasal polyps are removed by means of a minor surgical procedure, but there is a risk that they will grow back or grow again in a different place. In the case of intestinal polyps, the earlier they are detected and removed, the better the prognosis. Over time, the polyps grow and, once they reach a certain size, can constrict the intestine, which can result in intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, adenomas (benign polyps) can develop into carcinoma as they progress.

Complications

Polyps are usually harmless and do not initially cause symptoms. As they grow, however, the growths can cause various complications. Nasal polyps can cause breathing problems and promote infections in the upper respiratory tract. This can lead to persistent infections such as bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis. In severe cases, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue and cause dangerous inflammation of the orbit, meninges and brain. Intestinal polyps can impair bowel function, depending on their size and number. Sometimes constipation, diarrhea and other digestive problems occur. When an intestinal polyp opens, it can cause bleeding, pain and inflammation. In contrast, polyps of the inner lining of the uterus are usually harmless. Only in extremely rare cases can these degenerate malignantly and form a tumor. With polyps on the tonsils, there is a risk of sleep disturbances, inflammation and an increased susceptibility to infections. Accompanying pain, difficulty swallowing and other complications may occur. Sensitive injuries may occur during the removal of adenoids. In addition, wound healing problems, pain, infection, and visible scars and scar fractures may occur. Prescribed medications may cause the usual side effects and interactions.

When should you see a doctor?

If swelling, ulcers, or protrusions form on the body, a doctor should be consulted. If there are increasing growths, a feeling of tightness or disturbances in the heart rhythm, medical attention is needed. If the complaints persist, diseases are present that need to be diagnosed and treated. Although polyps are usually benign, serious diseases must be ruled out and an assessment of general health is necessary. Restrictions in respiratory activity are an alarming sign. If they persist or increase in intensity, a physician is needed as soon as possible. If bad breath, headaches, sleep disturbances, an inner restlessness or a general feeling of illness occur, a doctor should be consulted. Irregularities to the touch, a pressure pain or sensory disturbances should be examined and treated. Polyps can form in any part of the body. Therefore, a doctor is needed as soon as eating disorders or locomotion irregularities occur. Special attention is needed if there are abnormalities in function. Decreased vision, loss of physical as well as mental performance, and reduced ability to smell should be presented to a physician. If there are disturbances of balance, deformities of the skeletal system, swellings of the breast tissue or irregularities of digestion, a visit to the doctor should be made. Signs such as an increase in inflammation, elevated body temperature, and snoring should be discussed with a physician.

Treatment and therapy

Treatment for polyps in the nose involves surgical removal of the growth. For very small growths, they can also be treated with a nasal spray, but the success rate here is low. With the help of daily application of saline nasal irrigation and cortisone sprays, it is possible to prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps after long-term treatment. Polyps in the intestine are also surgically removed, although this is usually done during colonoscopy. The first-line therapy is immediate removal of the polyps followed by histologic examination for malignancy. If the polyps have already reached a size of several centimeters, endoscopic removal is no longer possible, so surgery under general anesthesia is necessary. The treatment of polyps also includes extensive follow-up.Especially in the presence of hereditary diseases as well as an already diagnosed colon carcinoma (colon cancer), regular colonoscopies (colonoscopies) should be performed.

Prevention

Currently, there are no preventive measures against the development of polyps. In the case of intestinal polyps (also applies to nasal polyps), especially if there is a hereditary component, one should pay attention to a healthy diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and try to avoid obesity with sufficient exercise. Another possibility of prevention is a so-called hemoccult test, with the help of which one can detect blood in the stool, which usually indicates bleeding polyps in the intestine. An annual colonoscopy is performed for early detection of polyps. Although this cannot prevent the development of polyps, it has been shown to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. A polyp can be a benign or malignant growth, which in many cases forms on the intestinal mucosa. Colloquially, enlarged adenoids are referred to as polyps. This definition is not medically correct, as such growths can also develop on other organs.

Follow-up care

The form of aftercare depends on whether the adenoids are benign or malignant. In general, polyps require regular follow-up care because they can develop into malignant growths. Even if they are small, classified as benign, and do not cause discomfort to the individual, polyps should be monitored by a physician. Colorectal carcinoma was often preceded by mutated polyps or they promoted their development. Follow-up of polyps is important to detect degeneration at an early stage. After surgical removal of (malignant) polyps, follow-up control at regular intervals is also indicated. If benign neoplasms of small size are discovered during a check-up, the specialist often removes them himself. If the newly grown polyps are noticeably large or malignant, surgery is scheduled. During follow-up care, it is also checked whether the polyps are causing inflammation. In this case, the family doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory medication. As a follow-up measure, healing of the affected tissue is initiated.

What you can do yourself

To prevent polyps, the diet should be optimized. Foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the organism should be consumed more. Magnesium and lemon are natural agents that have a positive influence on the body in inflammation. Fresh products such as broccoli, spinach, brown algae or onions and garlic should be regularly included in meals, so that the patient can sufficiently support his body in the fight against polyps. At the same time, an unhealthy, fatty and high-calorie diet should be avoided. Likewise, the consumption of harmful substances such as nicotine, alcohol or drugs should be refrained from. Good sleep hygiene is helpful. The conditions for a restful night’s sleep should be optimized so that the organism can regenerate sufficiently during rest periods. The body’s immune system is thus stabilized and can provide sufficient defenses when dealing with possible pathogens. The disease occurs more frequently in people with an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, attention should be paid to the reduction of stressors. Overall well-being should be promoted and medications should be taken only in consultation with the doctor. In the case of nasal polyps, regular steam inhalations can be performed in everyday life to alleviate the symptoms. Deep breathing exercises are also helpful. Intestinal polyps are minimized by a healthy lifestyle in a natural way.