Colorectal Polyps and Cancer
Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most deadly type of cancer. This type of cancer usually begins as a polyp. You may not have any symptoms until a colorectal tumor becomes fairly large. Because most colorectal cancers don't produce symptoms right away, it is important to be checked with a colonoscopy every five years after the age of 50.
What are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps are bumps located on the inner surface of the colon and rectum. Not all polyps are associated with cancer. The two most common types of colorectal polyps are hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, also known as adenomas.
Small hyperplastic polyps located on the left side of the colon are not usually cause for concern; however, larger hyperplastic polyps located on the right side of the colon should be removed and evaluated.
Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) are not cancerous, but could possibly turn into cancer if they are ignored. It is important to get polyps removed, because most colon cancers begin with a benign polyp.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
People most at risk for colorectal cancer are those who have a family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal diseases and conditions. Perfectly harmless polyps can mutate into cancer tissue when mutations occur in the genetic code of the epithelial cells responsible for growth and repair.
Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Bowel conditions such as IBS, colitis or Crohn's disease
Diet lacking fiber and high in fat content
Smoking
Being overweight
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
There usually are no symptoms of colorectal cancer, which is why it is very important to have colorectal screening. If you have a condition such as colitis, IBS or Crohn's disease, your doctor may suggest that you have colorectal screening every 5 to 10 years, even if you are younger than 50. It usually isn't necessary to screen any closer than 5 year intervals, because colon cancer usually advances slowly. If there are polyps or tumors, you may experience rectal bleeding. Other symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits, and anemia from chronic blood loss.
Screening for colorectal cancer
Screening for colorectal cancer includes such tests as a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, lower GI, and CT scan of the colon. These tests will be discussed below.
Sigmoidoscopy - A sigmoidoscopy is done by inserting a tube into the rectum. This test allows the doctor to visualize the lower part of the colon and the rectum. If polyps are located there, they can be visualized and removed. A biopsy can be taken for a pathological examination. The sigmoidoscopy is the least invasive of the internal examinations, but it is only used to visualize the lower part of the colon and rectum. You may have no polyps see with the sigmoid exam, but you could have polyps farther up. No anesthesia is needed for the sigmoidoscopy.
Colonoscopy - A colonoscopy is done to visualize the entire colon and rectum. If you are at risk for colon cancer, you should have the colonoscopy instead of the sigmoidoscopy. The sigmoidoscopy can be done in the doctor's office, but the colonoscopy is done as an outpatient in a hospital setting. Anesthesia is given for the colonoscopy; you will be awake, but you will be sedated so that you won't feel any discomfort.
Lower GI - The Lower GI is done as an X-ray. You will have a barium enema. The barium enema provides a contrast medium so that the colon and any abnormalities can be visualized.
CT of the colon - A CT of the colon is called a colonography. This is the least invasive of all the tests. The CT scan can show polyps and tumors if they are at least 1 centimeter in size. If any polyps or tumors are visualized by the scan, the patient should have a follow-up colonoscopy.
Conclusion
On examination, if any polyps are found they should be removed. They may be benign, but could turn cancerous in time. The tissue removed and studied by a pathologist. If polyps are removed, your doctor should tell you when to come for a follow-up colonoscopy. The usual time period for a repeat colonoscopy is 5 years.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/colorectal-polyps-cancer
Published by Charlene Collins
Charlene Collins is a retired licensed practical nurse from Bethlehem, Georgia. She has both career and personal experience with several types of physical and mental health conditions. First and foremost, Ch... View profile
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