GastroEast Physicians, Louisville, KY

Colon Polyps

A polyp is a mushroom shaped growth that grows inside the colon or large intestine. Polyps are usually benign, but can be pre-cancerous and if left to grow unchecked, can develop into colorectal cancer in the future.

Because doctors cannot tell which polyps are benign or pre-cancerous by visualization with the colonoscope or lighted camera, all polyps are removed from the colon and examined under the microscope.

About 30% of all people in the US > 50 years of age have polyps and about 50% of all people > 70 years of age have polyps. These polyps need to be removed to check their cancer forming potential.

People have increased risk of forming polyps if they fall into the following categories: colon showing polyps

1) Advanced age
2) History of polyps in the past
3) Family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
4) People who eat a diet consisting of fatty foods
5) People who smoke cigarettes
6) People who do not exercise and are out of shape
7) People who are obese

Various tests can be done to check for polyps.

Polyps bleed intermittently and microscopic blood can be detected in the stool with special occult blood detector cards. This test can miss polyps because polyps bleed intermittently.
colon polyp 2
Flexible sigmoidoscopy detects polyps in the lower 1/3 of the colon.

Colonoscopy can be utilized to examine the entire lining of the colon and is the best test to find and remove colon polyps. It is the test that carries the most risk of complication.

A discussion with your doctor should occur to decide which test is best for you to detect colon polyps and prevent colorectal cancer. At age 50, 45 for African-Americans, each person in this country should be screened for polyps and colorectal cancer.

In the mean time, eat right, exercise, and do not smoke.