The Harm Rectal and Colon Polyps Bring

TAre colon polyps always harmful? Not always. But more often than not, they lead to more serious problems. The signs and symptoms of a colorectal polyp vary from constipation to stomach pain. Eating acidic foods too often is one of the main causes of precancerous polyps. But there are steps on prevention you can do to avoid problems on your bowel and rectum such as making sure you eat more of alkaline foods.

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.

What are the types?

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:

1. tubular,

2. tubulovillous, and

3. villous.

Colorectal polyps that are associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohns diseases 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?

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.

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.

Is prevention possible?

The good news is medical problems like polyps can be prevented. Just be aware what causes them to grow. Always live healthily.

Prevention against its growth in your bowel or rectum is important because a tumor can start in a polyp.

The following are the 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 extract supplements.
• Give up smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Add ground flax seeds to your diet to reap the health benefits from flax seeds.
• Use extra virgin olive oil when making your meals.

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

Related Pages You Might Like:

Treatments for Colon Cancer | What Causes Bowel Cancer | Ways to Prevent Colorectal Cancer | What is Bowel Cleansing | How to Colon Cleanse Naturally | Colon Cancer Warning Signs and Symptoms

Colon Polyps

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