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Intestinal polyps are changes that can appear in the intestine due to the excessive proliferation of cells present in the mucosa in the large intestine, which in most cases does not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, but which must be removed to avoid complications.
Intestinal polyps are usually benign, but in some cases they can develop into colon cancer, which can be fatal when it is diagnosed already in advanced stages. Thus, people over 50 years old or who have a history of polyps or bowel cancer in the family should consult the gastroenterologist and perform tests that help to identify the presence of the polyps still in its initial phase.
Symptoms of intestinal polyps
Most intestinal polyps do not generate symptoms, especially at the beginning of their formation and that is why it is advisable to have a colonoscopy in case of inflammatory diseases in the intestine or after 50 years of age, since the formation of polyps from this is more frequent. age. However, when the polyp is already more developed, there may be some symptoms, such as:
- Change in bowel habits, which may be diarrhea or constipation;
- Presence of blood in the stool, which can be seen with the naked eye or detected in a blood test hidden in the stool;
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, such as gas and intestinal cramps.
It is important for the person to consult the gastroenterologist if they have any symptoms that are indicative of intestinal polyp, because in some cases there is a likelihood of becoming cancer. Thus, by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the result of imaging tests, the doctor can check the severity of the polyps and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Can intestinal polyp turn into cancer?
In most cases, intestinal polyps are benign and have a low probability of becoming cancer, however in cases of adenomatous polyps or tubule-villi there is a greater risk of becoming cancer. In addition, the risk of transformation is greater in sessile polyps, which are flat and have more than 1 cm in diameter.
In addition, some factors may increase the risk of transforming the polyp into cancer, such as the presence of several polyps in the intestine, the age of 50 years or more and the presence of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, for example.
To reduce the risk of intestinal polyps becoming cancer it is recommended to remove all polyps over 0.5 cm through colonoscopy, but in addition it is important to exercise regularly, have a diet rich in fiber, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as these factors facilitate the onset of cancer.
Main causes
Intestinal polyps can happen due to factors related to eating and living habits, being more frequent after 50 years. Some of the main causes related to the development of intestinal polyps are:
- Overweight or obesity;
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes;
- High-fat food;
- Diet low in calcium, vegetables and fruits;
- Inflammatory diseases, such as colitis;
- Lynch syndrome;
- Familial adenomatous polyposis;
- Gardner's syndrome;
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
In addition, people who smoke or consume alcoholic beverages frequently or have a family history of polyps or bowel cancer are also more likely to develop intestinal polyps throughout their lives.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for intestinal polyps is done through removal during the colonoscopy exam, being indicated for polyps that are more than 1 cm long, and the procedure for removing the polyp is known as polypectomy. After removal, these polyps are sent to the laboratory for analysis and to check for signs of malignancy. Thus, according to the result of the laboratory, the doctor can indicate the continuation of treatment.
After performing the removal of the polyp it is important that the person has some care to avoid complications and the formation of new intestinal polyps. In addition, it may be recommended by the doctor to repeat the exam after a few years to check for the formation of new polyps and, therefore, a new removal is indicated.See what is the care after removing the polyps.
In cases of polyps smaller than 0.5 cm and which do not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, it may not be necessary to perform the removal of the polyp, with only the physician recommending the follow-up and repetition of the colonoscopy exam.