The Harm Rectal and Colon Polyps Bring

Related Article: How Alkaline Foods Work Against Polyp Development

What are the characteristics of a precancerous polyp?

A precancerous polyp is an abnormal growth that forms on the inner wall or lining of either the bowel or the rectum. They can develop into bigger health problems inside the bowel if not checked. Both types of polyps have a mushroom-like shape.

Polyps are classified according to . . .

• how the polyp behaves -- it can either be benign, pre-malignant or malignant, and
• the type of the polyp.

Surgery is prescribed if the polyp is either precancerous or malignant. Another treatment such as chemotherapy is often recommend to make sure abnormal cells left by the surgery are killed won't cause problems in the future.

Related Article: Treatments for Colon Cancer

What are the types of a precancerous polyp?

photo courtesy of Stephen Holland, M.D., Naperville Gastroenterology

A precancerous rectal or colon polyp can be . . .

• neoplastic,

• hamartomatous, or

• inflammatory.

A neoplastic polyp is further divided into sub-types:

• tubular,

• tubulovillous, and

• villous.

Colorectal polyps that are associated with Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease are inflammatory types. They lead to colorectal problems later on.

Most polyps are benign and aren't considered health problems. But still, you need not wait for them to become full-blown problems. It is recommended that they are surgically removed because it is possible that they can become malignant. In fact, most rectal tumors or those found in the bowel developed from precancerous polyps.

What are the signs and symptoms of rectal or colon polyps?

Precancerous polyps don’t usually exhibit visible problems. They don't provide early warning signs or symptoms like cancer does. But symptoms of big polyps in your bowel or rectum can cause problems and unusual changes in bowel movements such as bleeding, constipation and abdominal pain.

If you're experiencing problems with your bowel movements, you might want to know what they might indicate. Check out this article: Colon Cancer Warning Signs and Symptoms.

When do polyps become serious colon problems?

They are considered health problems when . . .

• the size of the bowel or rectal polyp is 1 cm or more, and

• it is a neoplastic type, especially the villous adenoma type. If it is the villous adenoma type, it gives you a 40% risk that it will turn into a malignant tumor.

Remember that a tumor can start in a polyp. This is the basic reason why preventing a polyp from developing in your rectum or bowel is necessary.

What triggers colon problems such as polyp formation?

Problems in your bowel primarily start because of lifestyle factors such as eating more of unhealthy foods, smoking and being a couch potato.

Related Article: What Causes Bowel Cancer

Is prevention of bowel and rectal problems possible?

The good news is medical problems like polyps can be prevented. Just be aware what causes polyps to grow. Always live healthily. The following are steps to prevent polyps:

• Choose foods high in fiber such as vegetables and fruits.

• Know the importance of exercise in prevention of colon tumor.

• Detoxify your bowel by taking all-natural Ganoderma supplements.

  Related Articles:

  Ways to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

  What is Bowel Cleansing

  How to Colon Cleanse Naturally

• Give up smoking and limit alcohol intake.

• Add ground flax seeds to your diet to reap the health benefits flax seeds can provide.

• Use extra virgin olive oil when making your meals.

  Click here to read on health benefits of olive oil.

All these healthy habits will protect you from health problems like colon or rectal polyps to form in your bowel.

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Return from Colon Polyps and Problems to Cancer of the Colon

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