Colorectal Polyps in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat are colon polyps?
Colon polyps, also referred to as colorectal polyps, commonly occur within adults in the U.S. The word "colorectal" speaks to the colon as well as the rectum. Many conditions that affect the colon also include the rectum, which is why they are frequently talked about together. A colon polyp is a mass made up of a clump of cells that occurs in either the colon or the rectum.
Polyps alone are usually no cause for concern and most often do not lead to symptoms; however, colorectal polyps need to be removed since they can, after a time, grow to be cancerous. In order to detect colon polyps, the GI specialists at GI Alliance of Arkansas regularly provide colonoscopy procedures. Please get in touch with our office to arrange for a colonoscopy in Arkansas.
What are the causes of colon polyps?
Colon polyps develop when cells within the large intestine divide or grow at an abnormally fast rate. The world of medicine remains without proof why it is that this happens; still, there are correlations and risk factors that are associated with people who have colon polyps.
Common risk factors for colon and/or rectal polyps are:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Obesity
- Crohn's disease
- "Typical Western diet" (high fat, low fiber)
- Being over the age of 45
- Genetic predisposition
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Having a family or personal history of colon or rectal polyps
- High consumption of alcohol
Hereditary genetic conditions can raise the chance of experiencing colon or rectal polyps. Such conditions may include:
- Lynch syndrome
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- Gardner's syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
What are the symptoms of colon polyps?
Colorectal polyps don't present with symptoms a lot of the time. When they do, some of the most frequently experienced indications of colon polyps include:
- Constipation
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea (lasting longer than one week)
- Weakness
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Shortness of breath
- Exhaustion
- Iron deficiency anemia
If you are experiencing any combination of the previously mentioned symptoms, are 45 years of age or older, or have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps and are in the Arkansas area, get in touch with our team for more information on colon cancer screenings.
What does it mean if a physician finds polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is not unusual for your GI physician to find polyps during a colonoscopy, and they're usually not cancerous (benign). Polyps found during a colonoscopy will often be removed during the procedure (polypectomy) and tested for cancer. In the event that your colon polyps are found to be nonmalignant, then your physician is likely to advise regular screenings for colorectal cancer going forward. If a polyp is found to be malignant (cancerous), you and your GI Alliance of Arkansas specialist will make a plan with the appropriate next steps.
The main way to treat colon polyps is by removing them. During the course of a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in the rectum and colon can be excised through a procedure called a polypectomy. In severe cases, part or all of your colon or rectum may need to be removed.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colon polyps genetic?
Having a familial history of colorectal polyps can increase your chance of developing this concern. Certain types of polyps may carry a hereditary association and be more prevalent among family members. Speak with your gastrointestinal physician regarding your personal and family history of polyps to evaluate your risk and the need for colon cancer testing.
Do colon polyps return?
In general, it is rare for a colon polyp to return after being completely extracted. However, some people might develop new polyps in other parts of the rectum or large intestine (colon). It is, therefore, essential to maintain routine screenings for colorectal cancer as recommended by your doctor.
Can colorectal polyps be prevented from developing?
It might not be possible to keep colon polyps from developing, especially if you have an increased risk due to hereditary factors. However, healthy lifestyle choices could help decrease the risk of these polyps. This can include eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use, drinking alcohol in moderation, and getting enough exercise. Scheduling routine colonoscopies upon turning age 45 can also help diminish your risk.
How long is recovery after colorectal polyp removal?
Most individuals need approximately one week to recuperate after undergoing a polypectomy during a colonoscopy procedure. Our GI Alliance of Arkansas team will provide aftercare information on what you can anticipate during the recovery period and when you can resume your normal routine.
Get treatment for colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps can be found, excised, and evaluated for cancer at a routine colonoscopy. As an experienced group of gastrointestinal specialists, GI Alliance of Arkansas works to provide a personalized patient experience. To find out more about colorectal polyps and how they may be detected and removed, we encourage you to reach out to one of our gastroenterologists in Arkansas today.
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I am Marie Hudgens daughter. Karen Stewart. She lives with us and I take care of all her medical appointments & meds.I was very happy with Moms medical appointment. I was disappointed because the nurse didn’t call me like she assured me she would with Moms Lab reports. Other wise I was satisfied with De. Ellison and his team.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with Dr. Ellison- in office and during procedures. He is very relatable, easy to speak to with any health concerns, and truly seems to listen to and value my feedback throughout my care. He and his office are both prompt and professional. I feel extremely confident in controlling my Crohns with Ellison heading my care.
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I had a really good experience with this GI Alliance of Arkansas everybody's really nice
Excellent doctor that works with his patients very well.
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