WHAT ARE INTESTINAL POLYPS?
Polyps are growths that develop in the colon or rectum and protrude into their interior. They can be classified as "pedunculated" or "sessile." The former are anchored to the intestinal wall by a stalk (for simplicity, they can be likened to cherries with their stems), while the latter are attached to the intestinal wall along their entire length without a distinct stalk. Polyps are one of the most common conditions of the colon and rectum, found in 15-20% of the adult population. Most polyps are benign, but their potential to transform into cancer is well-established.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLYPS?
Polyps typically do not produce symptoms and are often discovered during colonoscopy or radiological examinations of the intestine. However, some polyps may present with bleeding, mucus discharge, changes in bowel function, or, less commonly, abdominal pain.
HOW CAN INTESTINAL POLYPS BE DIAGNOSED?
Polyps can be diagnosed through a colonoscopy (traditional or virtual) or radiological examinations (CT colonography or barium enema).
SHOULD POLYPS BE REMOVED?
Even though most polyps are benign, their removal is recommended in all cases. It is now well known that colon and rectal cancer can arise from a benign polyp. Therefore, polyp removal represents an effective preventive measure. A significant portion of polyps can be removed during colonoscopy using a specialized "snare" instrument passed through the colonoscope. If they are very small, polyps can be destroyed by coagulation. Occasionally, if polyps are large, they may need to be removed during multiple colonoscopy sessions or through surgery. Each polyp removed, or a portion of it, is sent for histological examination to determine its nature.
CAN POLYPS RECUR?
If a polyp is completely removed, recurrence at the same site is a rare event. However, the same factors that cause polyp formation remain present. New polyps can develop in at least 30% of individuals who have had polyps. Therefore, patients who have undergone polyp removal should undergo periodic colonoscopy, with the frequency determined by the specialist.
Polyps are growths that develop in the colon or rectum and protrude into their interior. They can be classified as "pedunculated" or "sessile." The former are anchored to the intestinal wall by a stalk (for simplicity, they can be likened to cherries with their stems), while the latter are attached to the intestinal wall along their entire length without a distinct stalk. Polyps are one of the most common conditions of the colon and rectum, found in 15-20% of the adult population. Most polyps are benign, but their potential to transform into cancer is well-established.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLYPS?
Polyps typically do not produce symptoms and are often discovered during colonoscopy or radiological examinations of the intestine. However, some polyps may present with bleeding, mucus discharge, changes in bowel function, or, less commonly, abdominal pain.
HOW CAN INTESTINAL POLYPS BE DIAGNOSED?
Polyps can be diagnosed through a colonoscopy (traditional or virtual) or radiological examinations (CT colonography or barium enema).
SHOULD POLYPS BE REMOVED?
Even though most polyps are benign, their removal is recommended in all cases. It is now well known that colon and rectal cancer can arise from a benign polyp. Therefore, polyp removal represents an effective preventive measure. A significant portion of polyps can be removed during colonoscopy using a specialized "snare" instrument passed through the colonoscope. If they are very small, polyps can be destroyed by coagulation. Occasionally, if polyps are large, they may need to be removed during multiple colonoscopy sessions or through surgery. Each polyp removed, or a portion of it, is sent for histological examination to determine its nature.
CAN POLYPS RECUR?
If a polyp is completely removed, recurrence at the same site is a rare event. However, the same factors that cause polyp formation remain present. New polyps can develop in at least 30% of individuals who have had polyps. Therefore, patients who have undergone polyp removal should undergo periodic colonoscopy, with the frequency determined by the specialist.