Bowel Polyps / Colon Polyps
Bowel Polyps / Colon Polyps occur mainly in the large bowel (colon & rectum).
They are lumps visible inside the bowel. Normally the inside
lining of the bowel is smooth, pink and shiny with spaced out
folds. A polyp is a lump which interrupts this smoothness (See
Fig 1).
This polyp was located and painlessly removed during colonoscopy.
Are Polyps dangerous?
They vary from a worry of a possible malignancy in the future,
to actual cancers with need for an urgent operation in the hospital.
(See Fig 2).
Diagram showing transition from symptom free colonic polyps
(left) to Cancer (right)
Do colonic polyps run in families?
Yes. Most colonic polyps have a familial cause.If one parent
has a colonic polyp or cancer there is a chance that the sons
and daughters also carry the dangerous gene. For this reason
if you have or have had a polyp your brothers and sisters, mother
and father as well as children may carry the gene.
How can I know whether I carry this gene?
At present the gene cannot be easily identified. With advances
in this field tests may be developed.
How can I know whether I have a polyp?
With a few exceptions, colonic polyps are rare before the age
of 35-40. After this age they become more common. However if
you have a symptom such as bleeding with your bowel action it
must be investigated. This should be done even if you are younger
than 35 years of age.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had a close relative
with colonic polyps or cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have bled (Even a tiny stain) with
a bowel action.
Tell your close relatives if you have a polyp or cancer so they
too can have a colonoscopy.
How can this be investigated?
Your doctor can arrange for a colonoscopy. This now painless
procedure is by far the best investigation to eliminate the possibility.
Two hours or less in a specialised centre like the The Wales Day Centre (Sydney)will often be sufficient to deal with the problem.
Can polyps be removed?
Yes. The Colonoscopist can quickly and painlessly remove a polyp
using a small electric current. It can then be analysed under
the microsocope. (See Fig 3).
(Fig 3)
A large polyp which has recently changed into a malignant
cancer is being removed electrically with a snare.
Will polyps come back?
Yes. They unfortunately do and must be removed again. A susceptible
person should be examined every 3-5 years.
For further information
please talk to your Doctor.
Return to Colonoscopy Information for Patients
|
