Colorectal Polyps in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colon polyps, often known as colorectal polyps, are a common ailment. The word “colorectal” speaks to the colon as well as the rectum. Many conditions which affect the colon also include the rectum, which is why they are usually mentioned together. A colorectal polyp is a polyp that exists in either the colon or the rectum. A colon or rectal polyp is a mass, comprised of cells, on the lining of the rectum or colon.
Polyps alone are primarily no cause for concern and typically don't cause symptoms; however, colon and rectal polyps need to be treated because they can eventually present as cancerous. To obtain a diagnosis for colorectal polyps, the gastroenterologists at Denver Digestive Health Specialists regularly carry out colonoscopy procedures. Please call your nearest Denver, CO location to request a consultation.
What are the causes of colorectal polyps?
While the reason for colorectal polyps are unknown, there do appear to be associated relationships and risk factors. Common risk factors for rectal polyps include:
- High consumption of alcohol
- Ulcerative colitis
- Tobacco use
- Being overweight
- Type 2 diabetes
- Having a family or personal history of colon or rectal polyps
- Being over the age of 45
- Genetic history
- Typical "Western diet” (low fiber, high fat)
- Crohn's disease
Inherited genetic conditions can elevate an individual's chance of having colon or rectal polyps. Such conditions could include:
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What are the common symptoms of colon polyps?
A number of cases of colorectal polyps do not manifest as symptoms. If symptoms are being experienced, some of the most common indications of colorectal polyps include:
- Abdominal pain
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than seven days)
- Bloody stool
- Constipation
- Weakness
If you experience any combination of the previously mentioned symptoms, are 45 years of age or greater, or have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps and are in the Denver, CO area, please get in touch with us to learn more about screening for colon cancer.
What does it mean if a GI provider detects polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is not unusual to identify polyps during a colonoscopy, and often, polyps are benign (not cancerous). Polyps found during a colonoscopy will typically be removed during a colonoscopy (polypectomy) and assessed for cancer. If your colon polyps are diagnosed as benign, then your physician is likely to encourage routine screenings for colon cancer in the future. If your polyp is determined to be malignant (cancerous), you and your Denver Digestive Health Specialists provider will decide on the most advantageous next steps.
The most common way to treat colorectal polyps is by excising them. During the course of a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in the rectum and colon can be excised in conjunction with a procedure called a polypectomy. In extreme situations, some or all of your rectum or colon may require removal.
Find treatment for colon or rectal polyps
Colon and rectal polyps can be found, removed, and assessed for cancer during a routine colonoscopy procedure. As a physician-led network of gastroenterology specialists, Denver Digestive Health Specialists aims to provide a patient-focused experience. To find out more about colon and rectal polyps and how they may be located and removed, please reach out to your nearest location in Denver, CO today.
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