Intestinal polyps are alterations that can occur in the intestine due to the excessive proliferation of cells in the lining of the large intestine, polyps in most cases do not usually cause signs or symptoms, but depending on their size they must be removed or controlled to avoid complications.
These changes may be mild, but in some cases they can develop into colon cancer, which can be fatal if diagnosed at an advanced stage. For example, people over the age of 50 who have a history of polyps and bowel cancer in the family should consult the gastroenterologist and perform problems as a form of prevention.
- Most intestinal polyps have general symptoms.
- Especially at the beginning of their formation.
- So it is recommended to see your doctor if you are 50 years of age or older to indicate preventive colonoscopy if you have an inflammatory bowel disease.
However, when the polyp is more developed, some symptoms may appear, such as:
It is important for the person to consult the gastroenterologist if they have symptoms of an intestinal polyp, since in some cases there is a risk of cancer, in order to evaluate the signs and symptoms that the person presents and the result of imaging problems. , your doctor may check the severity of your polyps and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
In most cases, intestinal polyps are benign and unlikely to become cancerous; However, in cases where polyps are apoematic or tubulovelleux, there is a risk of becoming cancerous, as well as the risk in larger polyps, which are flat and more than 1 cm in diameter, but are getting larger and larger.
Some factors that may increase the risk of becoming cancerous in the presence of several polyps in the gut; age 50 or older; inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, for example.
To reduce the risk of intestinal polyps conversing in cancer, it is recommended to remove all polyps greater than 0. 5 cm by colonoscopy, but it is also important to exercise regularly; Eat a high-fiber diet, don’t smoke, and avoid alcohol, as these factors make it easier to develop cancer.
Intestinal polyps can occur from factors related to eating and lifestyle habits, even if they occur after age 50. Some of the main causes related to the development of the same myths are:
In addition, people who smoke or consume alcoholic beverages often have a family history of polyps and bowel cancer are also less likely to develop intestinal polyps outside their lives.
Treatment consists of assessing the size and characteristics of the polyp through colonoscopy, being indicated for polyps greater than 1 cm to perform a polypectomy, after removing it, the polyp is sent to the laboratory for analysis and verification of signs of malignancy. With the laboratory result, the doctor can indicate the treatment if necessary. He knows how to prepare for the colonoscopy.
After removing the polyp, it is important that the person is cared for to avoid complications and the formation of new intestinal polyps, and the doctor may recommend repeating the tests after a few years to see if new polyps are forming.
In cases where polyps are less than 0. 5 cm long and do not cause any signs or symptoms, your doctor may decide not to remove them and continue their evolution by repeating colonoscopy as directed by your doctor.