Colorectal Polyps in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps, also called colon polyps, are a common medical condition among adults. The word “colorectal” refers to the colon and the rectum. Multiple conditions affecting the colon tend to include the rectum, which is why they are often talked about together. A colorectal polyp is a polyp that presents in either the rectum or the colon. A colon polyp is a growth comprised of a group of cells on the lining of the rectum or colon.
Polyps typically are not a concern and commonly do not present symptoms; however, colon and rectal polyps should be addressed since they can eventually become cancerous. The gastrointestinal specialists at Washington Gastroenterology regularly provide colonoscopy procedures to identify colon polyps. Please contact one of our nearby facilities to request a colonoscopy in Washington.
What causes colon polyps?
Colorectal polyps occur when cells grow or divide more than what is usual. The medical community is still unsure why this is the case; however, there are shared connections and risk factors that exist among people with colorectal polyps.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal polyps are:
- Having a personal or family history of colorectal polyps
- Type 2 diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
- Being over the age of 45
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- “Typical Western diet” (high fat, low fiber)
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Inherited genetic conditions can increase your risk of having colon or rectal polyps. Those conditions may include the following:
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Lynch syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
What are common symptoms of colon and rectal polyps?
Most cases of colorectal polyps do not manifest with symptoms. When symptoms occur, some of the most frequently experienced signs include:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than a week)
If you are experiencing any combination of the above symptoms, are 45 years of age or above, or have a family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer and are in the Washington area, please contact our staff to learn more about colon cancer screenings.
What does it mean if a specialist detects polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is not unusual to detect polyps during a colonoscopy and most polyps found are typically benign (not cancerous). Polyps found during a colonoscopy will usually be removed during the course of the colonoscopy (polypectomy) and tested for indications of cancer. If your colon or rectal polyps are diagnosed as non-cancerous, your provider may request regular screenings for colorectal cancer in the future. If your polyp is determined to be malignant (cancerous), you and your Washington Gastroenterology specialist will decide on the most appropriate steps moving forward.
The most common 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 called a polypectomy. In severe situations, part or all of your rectum or colon may need to be removed.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colorectal polyps an inherited condition?
A family history of colon polyps could increase your chances of developing the condition. Some forms of polyps carry a hereditary link and occur among family members. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, talk to your GI provider to evaluate your risk of the condition and about how often you should receive colorectal cancer tests.
Will colon polyps grow back?
In general, it is uncommon for a colorectal polyp to redevelop after being completely removed. However, some individuals may have new polyps in other portions of the rectum or colon (large intestine). It is therefore important to undergo routine colorectal cancer screenings as advised by your gastroenterologist.
Can colorectal polyps be prevented?
It might not be possible to keep colon polyps from arising, especially if you have an elevated risk due to family history. But healthy lifestyle choices could help minimize the risk of colon or rectal polyps. This can involve following a well-balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, drinking alcohol in moderation, and getting enough exercise. Getting periodic colonoscopy screenings once you turn 45 can also help manage your risk.
How long is recovery after colorectal polyp removal?
Typically, most people require around one week to recover after undergoing polyp removal during a colonoscopy. The Washington Gastroenterology staff will review post-op information on what to expect during the recovery period and when you can resume your normal routine.
Find treatment for colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps can be detected, excised, and evaluated for cancer during the course of a routine colonoscopy exam. As a physician-led network of gastroenterology specialists, Washington Gastroenterology works to deliver a patient-centric experience. To discover more about colorectal polyps and how they can be identified and excised, please contact one of our local gastroenterology facilities in Washington today to request a consultation.
Reviews
Dr.Manam was on screen at the right time for the apt. I have not had a virtual apt.before..He told me about my situation and answered all my questions..told me to discuss this with my primary physician and get back to him..my dr.thinks I need one more colonoscopy to see if I have any more polyps..so I will follow up...thank you
Great
I got what I needed. Professional, knowledgeable and caring. Also my blood pressure did not shoot through the roof because of the terrible traffic. It was an excellent visit.
I trust Dr. Selinger completely with my care for both my endoscopic & colonoscopies care. She is easy to talk to & she really listens. She explains everything so that I understand completely. She discovered that I have Barrett’s Esophagus in 2003 & has managed my care so that the initial diagnosis of short segmented Barrett’s has remained “short segmented” and has not spread higher up my esophagus or worse became cancerous. She has also been vigilant on removing the polyps that grow in my intestinal track. I would rate her as a strong 10+
everything was good ..except I couldn't make sure pictures after removal polyps..only I can see the pictures polyps on it
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