Polyps

What are polyps?

Polyps are abnormal growths that can develop in any part of the colon, usually starting in the lining of the colon or rectum.

While polyps are usually benign, or harmless, over time some can develop into malignant — cancerous — growths.

What are the symptoms of polyps?

In the earliest stages of development, polyps likely cause no symptoms. But as they grow larger, you can experience symptoms like:

• Bloody stool
• Abdominal pain
• Mucus in the stool
• Increase in the frequency of bowel movements

Because small polyps cause no symptoms but increase your risk for colon cancer, it’s important to undergo routine colon cancer screenings as recommended by your Progressive Surgical Care physician.

By detecting polyps early, your physician can remove them and reduce your risk of cancer. Early discovery of cancerous polyps is also important for successful colon cancer treatment.

How are polyps diagnosed?

A colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and preventive screening tool that can effectively identify polyps in the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can be therapeutic by allowing for polyp removal.

During this type of outpatient procedure, your Progressive Surgical Care surgeon inserts a slender instrument with an attached light and camera. The camera sends real-time images back to an external monitor that your physician views during the test to find polyps or other abnormalities in the colon.

Other tests, including blood work, might also be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions that are causing your symptoms, such as infections or obstructions.

What treatments are available for polyps?

Treatment of polyps often happens at the same time as your diagnostic colonoscopy. Your Progressive Surgical Care surgeon can remove the polyps he discovers during your test.

In some cases, polyps are too large to remove during a colonoscopy. Your surgeon instead takes tissue samples of these larger polyps for testing to determine if they’re cancerous. To remove large polyps, you’ll need laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery which the team at Progressive Surgical care are experts in.

The goal of treating existing polyps is to effectively remove them either through the colonoscope or surgically. Once surgically excised, a polyp rarely grows back. However, follow-up colonoscopies should be scheduled to ensure the health of your colon based on your medical history and the type of polyps you have.

Learn more about the benefits of preventive screenings and treatments available for polyps by calling the office today or by scheduling an appointment online.