Colonic Polyps
What are Colonic Polyps?
The colon is the large intestine. the entire colon is lined by a layer of cells ( epithelium). Polyps are growths arising out of these cells. These are generally small and are best visible only on a colonoscopy. Most polyps are benign ( harmless ). However, some colonic polyps are a precursor to the development of future cancer. Hence it’s important to define these lesions and follow up patients with colonic polyps regularly. Often colon polyps are present in a part of the colon, when there is already a cancer present in a different part of the colon.
What are the types of Colon Polyps?
Generally speaking, Colonic polyps are broadly classified as neoplastic and non-neoplastic. Neoplastic polyps are the ones that can grow in size and number and can turn cancerous. These are also called medically as adenomatous polyps. Nonneoplastic polyps are benign and do not turn into cancer. The polyp can be discovered and characterized only on a colonoscopy when its visualized, seen, and a biopsy is done to classify it under the microscope. The polyp can also be completely excised ( removed ) during colonoscopy.
- Pedunculated- have a stalk – something like a stem
- Sessile – no stalk present
- Flat or depressed
How are polyps detected
A colonoscopy is ordered and polyps are identified . Colonoscopy may be required for any of the following reasons.
- Bleeding in the stool.
- Symptoms of abdominal pain, tightness.
- Anemia – low hemoglobin.
- Hereditary polyp disorders – Familial Adenomatous Polyposis ( FAP ), Gardner Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome.
- Familial Cancer history of cancer colon – Lynch Syndrome -HNPCC.
- Screening colonoscopy – when colonoscopy is offered to asymptomatic and healthy individuals who willingly subject themselves to a colonoscopy.
How should patients with polyps be treated?
Generally, most polyps can be removed at colonoscopy. the procedure is called polypectomy and it can be meticulously performed during colonoscopy.
Generally, most patients with polyps will have them removed completely during colonoscopy. The removed polyp must be comprehensively tested for histology and the final histology report must be reviewed for the type of cells, the base of polyp, etc.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a camera test done for checking the inside of the large intestine ( colon ). A camera is inserted from the anal canal and the inside lining of the colon is visualized.
- Biopsies of tumour can be taken.
- Diseases can be diagnosed.
- Polyps can be identified.
- Complete removal of polyps can be done.
- Bleeding from the polyps/ulcers/tumours can be stopped.
- Development of new polyps and cancers and the progression of the disease can be monitored.
The procedure is simple, can be performed as an outpatient, and does not need admission to the hospital.
Follow up of Polyps
Patients will need surveillance colonoscopy at regular intervals as advised by their doctor
