How Worrisome Is A Colon Polyp?
You’ve probably heard of colon polyps, but the term sigmoid polyp may be less familiar to you. A sigmoid polyp is a mass of cells that grows inside the sigmoid colon, which is the S-shaped part of the colon near the very end of the intestines. A sigmoid polyp is regarded by doctors as a precancerous condition. In other words, it may become malignant, but it may not.
Although it’s factual that many sigmoid polyps never become cancerous, doctors prefer to remove them if they are diagnosed. Removal is possible during a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a relatively quick and simple surgical procedure during which a gastroenterologist examines the lining of the colon to be certain that it is healthy. He or she will use a device known as a colonoscope. A colonoscope is a a long tube with a very small video camera attached to the front, giving the doctor a chance to see if there are any symptoms and signs of tumors along the walls and the inside lining of the colon.
A number of different types of sigmoid polyps have been defined. One type looks small and flat. This variety is known as sedentary colon polyps. But these masses can also look more like a mushroom with a stem, and is known as a pedunculated colon polyp.
As previously mentioned, sigmoid polyps are sometimes relatively small – as small as a pea. Others might be relatively big and can be the size of a golf ball. The ones that are smaller and mushroom-shaped become cancerous less often than those that are flat and large. Typically, the greater the size sigmoid polyp, the greater the risk that it will become cancerous someday.
There are a number of risk factors that have been connected to sigmoid polyps, including
* Aging – they are much more likely to occur after you reach age 50
* Gaining a lot of weight
* Smoking and using other tobacco products
* Eating a lot of fatty, low fiber foods
* Genetics – if a lot of your relatives have had sigmoid polyps, you’re more likely to get them too
Unless you get a colonoscopy, you might never know that you have small colon polyps because they don’t present signs. This is why your doctor will probably recommend that you have colon cancer screenings if you have any of the risk factors.
Noticeable indications are possible with large colon polyps. They might include
* Blood in bowel movements
* Stools become narrower than before
* Painful bowel movements
* More diarrhea and constipation than before
Colon polyps that are found early can usually be removed safely and totally. The first step is to ascertain whether a mass is malignant or not. Your surgeon may possibly take a sample at some point in a colonoscopy and have it analyzed.
There is no way to prevent sigmoid polyps from developing. But you can safely decrease your risk with lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
Get some exercise and eat better food (principally high fiber types) definitely help. Make sure you get enough calcium since it helps protect you against cancer. Broccoli, kale and canned salmon are enjoyable sources of calcium. Vitamin D also appears to lower your risk.
If you smoke, stop. If you consume excessive alcohol, cut back.
A sigmoid polyp doesn’t have to scare you. The most important thing is to find out whether you have sigmoid polyps or not, and to have them taken out if you do.
Get additional, indepth articles on colon polyp types and related topics, click on sigmoid polyps and colonoscopies.
Tags: Cells, Colon Cancer, Colon Polyp, Colon Polyps, Colonoscope, colonoscopy, Gastroenterologist, Genetics, Golf Ball, Intestines, Lining Of The Colon, Low Fiber Foods, Mushroom, Precancerous Condition, Relatives, Risk Factors, Sigmoid Colon, Sigmoid Polyp, sigmoid polyps, Tobacco Products, Tumors, Video Camera