The Facts About Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are extra growths in the large intestine, also known as colon. This is the place where our body makes and stores stool.

While all colon polyps are not dangerous, some could be. Some colon polyps are benign, which means they are not likely to turn cancerous. These colon polyps can however turn cancerous over a period of time. Pea-sized colon polyps are regarded as harmless whereas, the larger ones could be cancerous already. Doctors normally do not take chances with colon polyps and remove all, once they are detected.

Not every body is susceptible to developing colon polyps. There are some risk factors involved however, which can make a person vulnerable to the disease. They are :

* Your chances of developing colon polyps increase with age. For instance you might be at risk, if you are over 50.

* You might be at risk if you have had colon polyps before.

* If you have a family history of colon polyps or cancer of the large intestine.

There are several life-style factors, which increase the risk of developing colon polyps. For instance if you :

* Love fatty foods and eat a lot of them.

* Are a smoker.

* Drink moderate to heavy alcohol

* Lead a sedentary life - without any physical exercise

* Obese

Colon polyps do not normally show up through regular symptoms etc. doctors usually chance upon it while examining for any other ailment. Some people however have reported symptoms like anal bleeding - when you suddenly notice blood in your underwear or on the toilet paper after use. At times people have nearly a week-long bout of constipation or diarrhea and visit a doctor for medicines. Bloody stool which appear as black or with red streaks in it.

There are four tests done by doctors for diagnosing colon polyps.

Digital rectal exam. If there is a polyp on the rectum, it can be detected by a doctor who feels it by his hands. To find any polyps on the upper part of the intestine, other tests need to be done.

Barium enema. Before taking X-rays of your large intestine, some barium is inserted into your rectum. This way the intestine is made to appear on the X-ray plate. Since polyps are dark in color, it is easily detectable.

Sigmoidoscopy. With the help of a gadget called sigmoidoscope, the doctor can examine the inside of your large intestine. He inserts a flexible tube through your rectum. This tube has a light source and a video camera fitted on it. With a sigmoidoscope he can only see the last third section of your large intestine.

Colonoscopy. Somewhat similar to sigmoidoscopy, with the help of colonoscopy, a doctor can see the entire inside of your large intestine. This procedure is done with full sedation.