Colorectal Polyps in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat are colon polyps?
Colon polyps, occasionally known as colorectal polyps, are a common-place occurrence within adult individuals. The word “colorectal” includes the rectum as well as the colon. Several health situations that affect the colon often also include the rectum, which is why they are typically discussed together. A colon polyp is a polyp that exists in either the colon or the rectum. A colorectal polyp is a growth made up of a group of cells on the lining of your rectum or colon.
Polyps are usually harmless and commonly do not result in symptoms; however, colon polyps need to be treated since they can, over time, present as cancerous. The GI specialists at Digestive Health Center routinely carry out colonoscopy procedures to identify colorectal polyps. Please contact a nearby location to schedule a colonoscopy in Ocean Springs, MS.
What causes colorectal polyps?
Colon polyps form when cells divide or grow more than they should. The medical community remains unsure of why this is the case; regardless, there are relationships and risk factors associated with individuals who present with colorectal polyps.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal polyps include:
- Genetic history
- Having a personal or family history of colorectal polyps
- “Typical Western diet” (high fat, low fiber)
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Tobacco use
- High consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Being over 45 years of age
Inherited genetic conditions can increase a person's risk of developing colorectal polyps. Those conditions may include the following:
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Lynch syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
What are the symptoms of colorectal polyps?
Frequently, occurrences of colon or rectal polyps are not manifested as symptoms. If symptoms are being experienced, some of the most commonly encountered symptoms of colorectal polyps include:
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (lasting longer than one week)
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Exhaustion
- Blood in the stool
If you are experiencing any combination of the symptoms mentioned above, are 45 years of age or older, or have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps and are in the Ocean Springs, MS area, reach out to our staff about colorectal cancer screenings.
What does it mean if polyps are detected during a colonoscopy?
It is not unusual to identify polyps in conjunction with a colonoscopy; these polyps are often not cancerous (benign). Polyps found through a colonoscopy will usually be extracted during your colonoscopy (polypectomy) and tested for cancer. If your colorectal polyps are benign, your provider will likely request regular colon cancer screenings in the future. If any polyp is found to be malignant (cancerous), you and your Digestive Health Center specialist will decide on the appropriate next steps.
The most common method of addressing colorectal polyps is by removing them. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in your colon and rectum can be removed in a procedure known as a polypectomy. In less common situations, part or all of your colon or rectum may require removal.
Get treatment for colorectal polyps
Colon polyps can be located, excised, and evaluated for cancer at a routine colonoscopy. As a physician-led group of gastroenterology specialists, Digestive Health Center aspires to deliver a patient-centric experience. Please contact your nearest GI office in Ocean Springs, MS today to learn more about colon polyps and how they can be found and excised.
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