{"id":2821,"date":"2017-03-28T10:24:24","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T16:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.granitepeaksgi.com\/?p=2821"},"modified":"2019-02-14T15:37:30","modified_gmt":"2019-02-14T21:37:30","slug":"understanding-colon-polyps-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granitepeaksgi.com\/understanding-colon-polyps-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Colon Polyps and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
By American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What Is a Colon Polyp? How Common Are Colon Polyps? What Causes Them? What Are Known Risks for Developing Polyps? There are two common types: hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. The hyperplastic polyp is not at risk for cancer. The adenoma, however, is thought to be the precursor (origin) for almost all colon cancers, although most adenomas never become cancers. Histology examination of tissue under a microscope)\u00a0is the\u00a0best way to differentiate between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms)\u00a0 involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter. They look like small bumps growing from the lining of the bowel and protruding into the lumen (bowel cavity). They sometimes grow on a \u201cstalk\u201d and look like mushrooms. Some polyps can also be flat.\u00a0Many patients have several polyps scattered in different parts of the colon. Some polyps can contain small areas of cancer, although the vast majority of polyps do not.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Polyps are very common in adults, who have an increased chance of acquiring them, especially as we get older. While quite rare in 20-year-olds, it\u2019s estimated that the average 60-year-old without special risk factors for polyps has a 25 percent chance of having a polyp. We don\u2019t know what causes polyps. Some experts believe a high-fat, low-fiber diet can be a predisposition to polyp formation. There may be a genetic risk to develop polyps as well.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The biggest risk factor for developing polyps is being older than 50. A family history of colon polyps or colon cancer<\/a> increases the risk of polyps. Also, patients with a personal history of polyps or colon cancer are at risk of developing new polyps. In addition, there are some rare polyp or cancer syndromes that run in families and increase the risk of polyps occurring at younger ages.<\/p>\n