Bowel Polyps

Bowel polyps, also known as colorectal polyps, are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. They are usually small, non-cancerous (benign), and can be found in people of all ages.

Types of Bowel Polyps

• Hyperplastic polyps: These are the most common type of bowel polyp and are usually small and non-cancerous.
• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps have the potential to become cancerous over time. They can be further divided into:
  • Tubular adenomas
  • Villous adenomas
  • Tubulovillous adenomas
• Sessile serrated polyps: These polyps are flat and can be difficult to detect. They have a higher risk of becoming cancerous than hyperplastic polyps.
• Inflammatory polyps: These polyps occur in response to inflammation in the bowel, such as in conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of bowel polyps is not known, but several factors can increase a person's risk of developing them. These include:

• Age: The risk of developing bowel polyps increases with age.
• Family history: Having a family history of bowel polyps or colorectal cancer can increase a person's risk.
• Diet: A diet high in red meat and low in fiber may increase the risk of developing bowel polyps.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing bowel polyps.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing bowel polyps.
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can increase the risk of developing bowel polyps.

Symptoms

Most people with bowel polyps do not experience any symptoms. However, some people may experience:

• Bleeding from the rectum
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue or weakness due to anemia from bleeding polyps

Diagnosis

Bowel polyps can be diagnosed using the following tests:

• Colonoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted into the rectum to visualize the colon and rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted into the rectum to visualize the lower part of the colon.
• Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography): A CT scan is used to create images of the colon and rectum.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.

Treatment

The treatment for bowel polyps depends on the type, size, and location of the polyp. Treatment options include:

• Removal during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: Polyps can be removed using a special tool during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
• Surgery: Large polyps or those that are difficult to remove during a colonoscopy may require surgical removal.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): A procedure that uses a special tool to remove large polyps.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing bowel polyps, it is recommended to:

• Eat a healthy diet high in fiber and low in red meat
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Get regular colon cancer screenings, starting at age 50 (or earlier if you have a family history of bowel polyps or colorectal cancer)