Colon polyps: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Colon polyps are growths on the lining of the large intestine. Most polyps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some types of polyps—particularly those larger than one centimetre across—can eventually become cancerous if they are not removed.

There are two main types of colon polyps:- adenomatous and hyperplastic.

• Adenomatous polyps: These usually abnormal growths that can develop into cancer if not removed and can be as small as a pinpoint or up to 2 centimetres in size. They are often classified as tubular, villous or tubulovillous.
• Hyperplastic polyps: These are benign and tend to be smaller than adenomatous polyps and often don’t have any potential for developing into cancer. They may, however, cause irritation of the intestinal wall leading to bleeding, inflammation and potential infection.

The exact cause of colon polyps is unknown, but they may be associated with a variety of factors, including:

• An inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• Genetic factors like family history or certain genetic syndromes.
• A diet high in fat.
• Obesity, smoking and certain medications.
• Prolonged exposure to radiation.

• Generally, colon polyps do not cause any symptoms.
• When present, the symptoms can include abdominal discomfort and/or pain, rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits lasting for longer than six weeks and unexpected weight loss.
• Other symptoms include anaemia (a decrease in healthy red blood cells), change in stool colour or consistency, pale stools and nausea or vomiting.

• Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fibre from fruits, vegetables and whole grains; limit saturated and trans fat, red meat and processed meats; opt for lean proteins like fish, poultry, beans and lentils.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
• Don't smoke: Smoking raises your risk of colon polyps and cancer.
• Have regular screenings: Have regular colon cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor beginning at age 50 or earlier if you’re at higher risk for colon cancer.
• Take medications prescribed by your doctor: Certain over-the-counter pain relievers or drugs to reduce inflammation may reduce your risk of polyps in people with a higher genetic risk for the condition.

A diagnosis and associated tests for colon polyps may include the following:

• Physical examination:A doctor may initially do a physical examination which can give some clues about the presence of colon polyps. This will include feeling along the abdomen to look for any lumps or irregularities and checking the rectum with a glove-covered finger.
• Endoscopy:An endoscopy, sometimes referred to as a “colonoscopy” is an instrument that is inserted into the rectum so that the lining of the colon can be viewed. This test allows a doctor to visually inspect for any signs of abnormal growths or lesions and also allow them to take tissue samples for further testing if necessary.
• Abdominal Ultrasound:An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the organs in your abdomen including the colon and rectum which can help doctors identify any abnormal growths or areas of concern related to colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Colonography (CT scan):A type of imaging test known as CT scan can be used to visualise larger looking growths in order to get a better sense of their size, shape, colour and texture; this helps doctors determine if they are suspicious enough to warrant biopsy or further testing. It also provides a better view of how far they have spread into surrounding tissues if they are indeed malignant tumours (cancer).
• Biopsy:If any suspicious areas are detected through visual inspection or imaging tests like CT scans, then your doctor may advise having them tested with biopsies taken from those areas so that their properties can be studied under laboratory conditions in order to give an accurate diagnosis regarding what type of cells they are composed of.

• Colon polyps can lead to a number of complications, including bowel obstruction, anaemia, gastroenteritis, GI bleeding, and the development of colorectal cancer.
• If left untreated or undetected, colon polyps can grow and become cancerous over time.
• In severe cases, colon obstruction from large polyps can lead to serious illness.
• Additionally, the presence of multiple polyps carries a greater risk for developing into colorectal cancer.

• Consuming Kapiva Noni Juice every day may help reduce the risk of developing colon polyps.
• Consume probiotics like yoghurt and kombucha, which contain helpful bacteria and help restore normal bowel functioning.
• Boil garlic cloves in water for 10 minutes and drink it on an empty stomach with honey to cure intestinal polyps naturally.
• Intake of an Apple Cider Vinegar tonic helps in reducing inflammation associated with polyp formation in the intestine, thereby helping in its prevention or cure of existing polyps naturally.
• Consume medicinal herbs such as basil, rosemary and turmeric to reduce inflammation that may cause formation or recurrence of colon polyps in the intestines.

• A diet high in fibre: Foods that are high in dietary fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are thought to reduce the risk of developing colon polyps.
• Focus on healthy fats: Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds can help reduce inflammation throughout the body which may prevent the development of polyps.
• Eat probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics like live yoghurt, kefir or kombucha can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation which may help protect against polyps formation.

• Refined carbohydrates:Foods high in refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and cakes should be avoided as they can lead to inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Fried foods:Fried foods, including french fries and fried chicken, are known to increase inflammation in the colon and contribute to the growth of polyps.
• Red meats:Red meats such as steak and burgers can be difficult for the digestive system to break down and may inflame the colon if consumed regularly.
• Processed meats:Processed meats such as sausages and bacon have been linked to an increased risk of developing polyps due to their high fat content and preservatives.
• Dairy products:Consuming dairy products can put added strain on the digestive system resulting in increased inflammation of pre-existing polyps or growth of new ones.

• Lifestyle changes:Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing colon polyps include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding excess alcohol consumption, managing stress levels, and getting regular screenings if recommended by a physician.
• Medication:Colon polyps can be treated with medications like proton pump inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. These medications can help reduce inflammation or infection in the area of the colon and may shrink any existing polyps.
• Endoscopic resection:This procedure involves the use of an endoscope to remove the polyps from the colon during a colonoscopy.
• Polypectomy:During this procedure, a doctor uses forceps or a hot wire loop to cut off and remove polyps from the colon.
• Colectomy:If multiple precancerous polyps are discovered, a surgeon may suggest removing all or part of the colon through surgery in order to reduce any further risk of cancer.
• Local ablation:During this procedure, a doctor will use thermal or chemical methods to destroy any pre-cancerous cells without needing to do surgery on an affected area.

Patients who have polyps in their colon should consult with a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist specialises in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon, and they will be able to assess the polyps, refer patients for tests if necessary, and possibly perform surgery or other treatments if needed.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
• Immunosuppressants:Such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.
• Biologicals:including Infliximab and Adalimumab, which can be used to treat certain cases of uncontrolled inflammation.
• Steroids:Prednisone or prednisolone can be used in severe cases to reduce inflammation quickly and effectively.
• Antidiarrheal agents:Including loperamide and diphenoxylate/atropine can be used to reduce symptoms of diarrhoea caused by colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• Antibiotics:Depending on the cause of the condition antibiotics may help keep inflammation in check; for example tetracyclines for ulcerative colitis or sulfonamides for Crohn’s disease.
• Antispasmodics:These medications are typically given to reduce muscle spasms in the intestines that lead to abdominal pain or cramps associated with colitis or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Common antispasmodics include dicyclomine hydrochloride and hyoscyamine sulphate among others.

It typically takes about one week for full recovery from a colon polyp removal procedure. This timeline may be shortened or extended depending on an individual's circumstances and the type of procedure used.

In general, patients undergoing less invasive treatments such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) can often expect a quicker recovery than those who have laparoscopic surgery or full colon resections.

Treatment of colon polyps is typically extremely effective in removing growths and preventing recurrence. However, depending on the type of polyp, repeated follow up tests may be required to monitor for recurrence in the future.

• After a colon polyp has been surgically removed, the patient should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks after surgery, drinking plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration, eating high fibre food and taking probiotics to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements, using sitz baths or warm compresses to reduce irritation in the colon area.
• It is also important for patients to monitor their own symptoms after surgery for alignment issues or any pain, bleeding or changes in bowel habits. If these occur, they should contact their doctor immediately for further examination.
• Regular follow up visits with the doctor are key to reduce risk of recurrence or further complications associated with the condition. The doctor may prescribe medications or dietary recommendations based on individual needs of the patient.

The costs associated with treating colon polyps in India vary depending on the complexity of the medical procedure, type of treatment and health care facility.

Treatment options include polypectomy, ablation and surgery, each of which can range from a few thousand rupees to more than 50,000 rupees. Many hospitals also offer low-cost packages that include these treatments as well as follow-up visits and diagnostic tests.

• Abdominal pain:Some people may experience abdominal pain as a result of treatment for colon polyps.
• Bleeding:Bleeding may occur during and after colon polyps removal procedures, such as a colonoscopy or surgery.
• Infection:Infection is a possible complication following the removal of colon polyps, and antibiotics may be needed to prevent it.
• Bowel obstruction:Bowel obstructions are a serious complication that can occur following the removal of larger or multiple polyps from the colon.
• Diarrhoea:Treatment for colon polyps can cause temporary diarrhoea following the procedure that may last for up to several weeks in some cases.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to colon polyps then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like 'bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, colorectal cancer' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.