The small growths of tissues projecting from the lining of a section of the large intestine (colon) are called colon polyps. As people grow older, these polyps may develop. Some of these polyps can ultimately turn cancerous whereas some others cause no harm to the body.

Hyperplastic Polyps

Hyperplastic polyps are also known as inflammatory polyps. They are not a cause for concern as they have a low malignancy and are normally harmless. There are rare instances in which these polyps become cancerous.

Adenomas

Adenomatous polyps or adenomas are not cancerous but there is a chance that they can become cancerous in the future. The adenomas that are large in size are more likely to become cancerous. The doctor at the best polyclinic in Uttarpara normally recommends the removal of adenomas.

Malignant Polyps

The polyps that contain cancerous cells are malignant polyps. The severity of cancer and a person’s overall health are the factors that a doctor takes into consideration while deciding the treatment option for polyps.

Symptoms

There are often no signs or symptoms in people having colon polyps. During routine tests or tests for any other disorder, doctors normally found these polyps. The people with risk factors for colon polyps and older adults should undergo regular screening. There is a better chance that the doctors can remove the growths if they can detect the polyps early. The following are a few symptoms that sometimes happen due to colon polyps:

  • Abdominal pain: There can be abdominal cramps and pain if the polyps become large and partially block the bowel.

  • Some bleeding from the rectum: There can be some bleeding from the rectum due to colon polyps.

  • A change in the colour of stools: The stool may appear black due to heavier polyp bleeding and there can be red stripes in the stool when there is minor polyp bleeding.

  • Iron deficiency anaemia: There can be an iron deficiency or anaemia in some people if their polyps bleed slowly over time. This leads to pale skin, shortness of breath, weakness, fainting and light-headedness.

  • A change in bowel habits: Colon polyps can cause a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea.

Diagnosis

The following are some tests that you can undergo at a diagnostic centre in Uttarpara for the diagnosis of colon polyps:

  • Colonoscopy: A colonoscope, a tube with a light and a camera, is inserted into the anus for examining the colon.

  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: In order to examine a limited area of the colon, there is the use of a sigmoidoscope, a shorter version of the colonoscope.

  • Virtual Colonoscopy: There is the use of different imaging methods in order to examine the colon in this noninvasive procedure.

  • Stool Exam: The purpose of this procedure is to examine the stool DNA or detect the presence of blood in stools.

Treatment

The specialist at a doctor chamber in Uttarpara suggests the following options to treat colon polyps:

  • Colonoscopy: The doctor can carry out a polypectomy or polyp removal by using an electrified wire loop or a cutting instrument on the end of a colonoscope.

  • Laparoscopy: The doctor removes the large polyps by inserting a laparoscope into the bowel after making a small incision into the abdomen or pelvis in this procedure.

  • The removal of the colon and rectum: When a person has a severe condition or cancer, the doctor carries out this procedure that is called a total proctocolectomy.