Colon polyps

What it is?
Colon polyps have attracted the attention of coloproctologists around the world, since intestinal cancer in the vast majority of cases develops from a benign polyp. Polyps are outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall. Depending on the shape and structural features, different types of polyps are distinguished. The most unfavorable type, from the point of view of cancer development, is villous polyps, the growths of which on the intestinal wall resemble a carpet: the frequency of development of a malignant tumor from such a polyp reaches 40%.

Why does this happen?
An important role in the development of colon polyps is played by:

1. Hereditary factors
2. Dietary features (a lot of animal food, little plant food)
3. Constipation

What's happening?
Normally, the cells of the intestinal mucosa are regularly renewed. If this process occurs unevenly, local outgrowths of the intestinal mucosa - polyps - are formed. As a rule, the tendency to disrupt the process of changing mucosal cells is inherited.

In addition to hereditary factors, the growth of polyps and malignant degeneration is facilitated by the consumption of large amounts of animal and fatty foods and constipation. Animal fats and proteins lead to the formation of carcinogenic substances in the intestines that disrupt the renewal of mucosal cells. Constipation contributes to the prolonged action of such substances.

Polyps, as a rule, do not bother the patient. Most often, the presence of a polyp is detected during a routine examination. In rare cases, bleeding may develop from the polyp. However, polyps are by no means harmless: if they exist for a long time, polyp cells can become malignant. On average, every fifth polyp turns into cancer.

Diagnostics
A gastroenterologist deals with the problems of polyps. Timely diagnosis and treatment of polyps prevents the development of colon cancer.

The main method for diagnosing polyps is colonoscopy, an examination of an area of ​​the intestine using a special endoscope inserted into the anus. Every person over 50 years of age should undergo this procedure.

If there is a family history of colon cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed regardless of age.

Treatment
Any polyp found during colonoscopy should be surgically removed and examined under a microscope. Timely removal of small colon polyps is the main measure of cancer prevention.

Surgical treatment of colon polyps is carried out using endoscopic equipment. After removal of large polyps or multiple polyps, control endoscopy is required after a year. If no new polyps are found, colonoscopy is repeated every three years.