Colon Polyps Treatment Specialist Q&A

One common symptom of colon polyps is rectal bleeding, which can range in color from dark brown to bright red. Though it may not cause discomfort, it is crucial to consult our team of healthcare providers if you notice this symptom. However, remember that rectal bleeding can also be a sign of other conditions.

A shift in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or chronic constipation, or a noticeable shift in the consistency of your stool that lasts for more than a week could also be a sign of colon polyps. Abdominal pain or discomfort, iron-deficiency anemia, and unexplained weight loss can be associated with colon polyps, although these symptoms are less common and usually indicate larger or more severe polyps.

It’s important to note that colon polyps often do not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. At Digestive Disease Care, we offer a range of screening options tailored to your specific needs and risk factors.

Our experienced team of gastroenterologists utilizes advanced diagnostic procedures and tests to identify the presence of colon polyps. Some of the ways we can establish a colon polyps diagnosis include:

• Colonoscopy: The most common method we use to diagnose and remove colon polyps is a colonoscopy. A flexible tube with a camera is gently inserted into the rectum by our skilled doctors to inspect the full length of the colon. If any polyps are found, we can typically remove them immediately using specialized tools.

• Sigmoidoscopy: Like a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy uses a short tube to examine the lower colon, allowing us to spot and remove polyps if present.

• Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography): For patients who require a non-invasive alternative, we offer virtual colonoscopy. This method involves taking CT scans of the colon and constructing a detailed image of the colon’s interior. While we can identify polyps through this method, we need to perform a traditional colonoscopy to remove them.

• Fecal Occult Blood Test: In some cases, we might recommend a fecal occult blood test, which checks for blood in a stool sample. Blood can be an indication of colon polyps or other gastrointestinal issues. However, because stool tests might not detect all polyps, a positive result may warrant a colonoscopy for further investigation.

• Double-Contrast Barium Enema: This approach involves filling the colon with a barium solution, which helps highlight the colon on an X-ray. Like the stool test, this method is less accurate than a colonoscopy.

Certain symptoms could indicate the presence of polyps. These include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. Other symptoms can include cramping, bloating, unexpected weight loss, and anemia.

The risk of developing polyps rises with age, especially if you are over 50. A family history of inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or colorectal cancer, a low-fiber diet, obesity, and smoking can also increase your risk. If you’ve previously had polyps, your risk of developing more in the future is increased.

While not all polyps can be prevented, measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-fiber diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular colonoscopies as recommended by your doctor can reduce your risk.

If left untreated, these polyps may grow, multiply, and potentially lead to serious, life-threatening complications. The larger a polyp gets, the greater the risk of it becoming cancerous. Colon cancer typically starts with the formation of a polyp that, over time, can develop into a cancerous growth. While this process can take years to occur, the presence of polyps significantly increases your risk of developing cancer.

In addition to the risk of cancer, untreated colon polyps can also cause bleeding, leading to anemia due to loss of blood over time. Symptoms of this condition can include fatigue, weakness, and pale or yellowish skin. Furthermore, colorectal polyps can lead to blockages in the colon or rectum, which are known as bowel obstructions. These obstructions can result in severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and other unpleasant symptoms. In severe cases, a bowel obstruction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

We recommend regular colonoscopies, which allow for timely detection and removal of colon polyps, preventing their potential progression to cancer or other severe complications.

Polyps vary in their risk of becoming cancerous based on factors such as their size, location, number, shape, and appearance. Our team can closely examine these factors to determine the potential risk each polyp presents. We employ several methods for removing colon polyps, including:

• Colonoscopy with polypectomy: Our doctors often recommend removing polyps during a colonoscopy. This is a preventive measure against colon cancer, which may not display symptoms until advanced stages.

• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): For larger polyps, EMR may be used to remove them in pieces. This procedure is performed by our highly trained professionals.

• Submucosal dissection (ESD): Our team employs this technique to remove large polyps that grow in the deeper layers of the colon wall.

Our team at Digestive Disease Care is dedicated to reducing your risk of developing colon cancer. Removing colon polyps can prevent the growth of potentially cancerous polyps and catch precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Schedule your consultation today and embark on a path to better health and well-being. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.