Colorectal Polyps in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps, occasionally known as colorectal polyps, are a common condition among patients. The term “colorectal” includes the colon and the rectum. Multiple health situations which affect the colon many times also include the rectum, which is the reason they are typically spoken of together. A colorectal polyp is a polyp that exists in either the colon or the rectum. A colon polyp is a growth made up of a mass of cells on the lining of your rectum or colon.
Polyps on their own are often benign and often do not cause symptoms. However, colorectal polyps need to be removed since they can, over time, present as cancerous. In order to detect colorectal polyps, the GI physicians at GastroGroup & Endocenter commonly conduct colonoscopy exams. Please contact our team to set up a colonoscopy in Louisiana.
What are the causes of colon polyps?
Colon polyps come happen when cells experience more growth or division than they should. The world of medicine is still undecided as to why this is the case, still, there are relationships and risk factors that are common among individuals who live with colon or rectal polyps.
Risk factors for colon polyps include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- “Typical Western diet” (high fat, low fiber)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Genetic history
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Being over the age of 45
- Having a history or family history of colon or rectal polyps
Hereditary genetic conditions can raise the chance of developing colon polyps. Such conditions may include:
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What are the common symptoms of colorectal polyps?
Oftentimes, occurrences of colon polyps will not be manifested with symptoms. If symptoms are present, some of the most frequently experienced indications of colon polyps include:
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than a week)
- Weakness
- Exhaustion
- Iron deficiency anemia
If you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms, are age 45 or above, or have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps and are in the Louisiana area, reach out to our staff to learn more about colon cancer screenings.
What if a doctor identifies polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is common to identify polyps in conjunction with a colonoscopy, and many times, polyps are benign (not cancerous). Polyps found while undergoing a colonoscopy will frequently be removed during your colonoscopy (polypectomy) and evaluated for cancer. If your colon polyps are found to be non-malignant, then your doctor will likely request regular screenings for colorectal cancer in the future. If any polyp is found to be malignant (cancerous), you and your GastroGroup & Endocenter doctor will make a plan with the appropriate next steps.
The main way to treat colon or rectal polyps is by excising them. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in the rectum and colon can be excised during a procedure known as a polypectomy. In less common situations, a part of or all of your colon or rectum may require removal.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colorectal polyps an inherited condition?
Having a family history of colon polyps can increase your chance of developing this GI condition. Some types of polyps could be hereditary and more likely to occur among members of the same family. Consult your GI provider regarding your health and any family history with colorectal polyps to determine your risk and frequency of colorectal cancer tests.
Will colon polyps grow back after removal?
It is uncommon for a colorectal polyp to regrow once it has been thoroughly removed. However, some individuals could develop new polyps in other locations within the rectum or large intestine (colon). It is, therefore, vital to schedule regular colon cancer screenings as recommended by your GI specialist.
Can colon polyps be prevented from developing?
It may not be possible to keep colon polyps from developing, especially if you carry a greater risk due to genetics. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle might help reduce the risk of these polyps. A few things that can help you maintain a healthy life include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Consuming alcohol in moderation
- Getting plenty of exercise.
Having routine colonoscopies once you turn 45 can also help lower your chance of developing polyps.
How long is recovery following colon polyp removal?
Generally, most patients need around one week to recover after polyp removal during a colonoscopy. The GastroGroup and Endocenter team will provide post-op instructions on what you can expect as you recover and when you can get back to your normal daily activities.
Find treatment for colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps can be located, extracted, and tested for cancer during the course of a routine colonoscopy. As a physician-led group of gastroenterology specialists, GastroGroup & Endocenter strives to provide a patient-centric experience. To hear more about colon and rectal polyps and how they can be identified and excised, we encourage you to get in touch with our gastroenterology practice in Louisiana today.
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