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Colon Polyp Treatment in Atlanta, GA

A colon polyp is a lump of tissue that forms within the inner lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are completely harmless, but some can become cancerous, especially those that grow larger over time.

At the Colorectal Wellness Center, we are experts in detecting colon polyps with the aid of state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that you receive the most accurate diagnosis possible. Please contact our colorectal office to arrange an appointment.

Vague Or Non-Existent Symptoms

Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to determine whether or not an individual has colon polyps without conducting an endoscopic procedure to actually take a look inside of the colon. Small polyps are particularly unlikely to present any symptoms. Some people with larger colon polyps have reported one or more of the following occurrences:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding that may also lead to iron deficiency anemia as a result of significant blood loss
  • Mucus discharge
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Changes in stool (most often in the color of your stool)

Failure to address or diagnose colon polyps during routine examinations (such as your regularly scheduled colonoscopy) can often lead to a delayed diagnosis of colon cancer, which becomes drastically more fatal in its later stages.

Types of Colon Polyps

There are two primary categories when it comes to colon polyps, which include neoplastic and non-neoplastic. It is uncommon for non-neoplastic polyp types to develop into colon cancer, and even neoplastic types are often found to be non-cancerous. The real worry begins if the polyp is determined to be an adenoma or villous adenoma.

Adenomas are a type of neoplastic polyp, and are common. Approximately two thirds of all polyps found within the colon are determined to be an adenoma, meaning it is the type of polyp with an increased risk of becoming a cancer.

Diagnosis

The majority of colon polyps are found during a routine procedure such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If polyps are found, our experts at Colorectal Wellness Center can biopsy or remove and send them to the lab for testing for cancer or precancer.

Risk Factors

There are, of course, several influential factors that can affect a person’s chances of developing colon polyps as well as colon cancer. Polyps are more likely to occur as we age, and so all adults over the age of 45 should be regularly checked for the presence of polyps.

Your risk also increases if you have a family history of colon cancer. Depending on your particular situation, our doctor may recommend that you begin receiving routine screenings before 45 years of age in order to help catch any abnormal mutations in the colon tissue early on.

Although it is impossible to control one’s age or family history, it is possible to limit your risk for colon cancer by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, and to avoid drinking alcohol in excessive amounts.

Detection and Prevention

The easiest way to avoid complications from colon polyps is to receive regular examinations and tests from our expert colorectal professionals. Even if these findings turn out to be inconclusive, it is still possible for polyps to form in the future.

To address your concerns about abnormal symptoms you’ve experienced, or to schedule a colon screening, please call (770) 325-2275 today to speak with a specialist at Colorectal Wellness Center about your colon health.