Several factors can contribute to the development of colon polyps, including:

• Age: The risk of developing colon polyps increases as you age.
• Family history: Having a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer can increase your risk.
• Genetic mutations: Inherited genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, can cause polyps.
• Lifestyle factors: A diet high in fat and low in fiber, smoking, heavy alcohol use, lack of exercise, and obesity are associated with an increased risk of polyps.
• Inflammatory intestinal conditions: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of polyps.

Colon polyps often do not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Rectal bleeding: Noticeable blood in your stool or on toilet paper after a bowel movement.
• Changes in bowel habits: Persistent diarrhea or constipation that lasts longer than a week.
• Abdominal pain: Cramping or pain in your abdomen.
• Iron deficiency anemia: A result of chronic bleeding from polyps, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
• Blood in stool: Polyps can cause hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can be detected through stool tests.

To detect colon polyps, your doctor may recommend the following procedures:

• Colonoscopy: A procedure where a long, flexible tube with a camera is used to view the entire colon and rectum. Polyps can be removed during the procedure for further analysis.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, but only examines the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
• Stool tests: Tests such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can detect blood in the stool, which may indicate polyps.
• CT colonography: Also known as a virtual colonoscopy, this imaging test uses CT scans to create detailed pictures of the colon and rectum

The primary treatment for colon polyps is removal, which can be done during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. The method of removal depends on the size and type of polyp:

• Polypectomy: The most common procedure, where polyps are snared with a wire loop or removed using special forceps.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): For larger polyps, this technique involves injecting a liquid beneath the polyp to lift and separate it from the surrounding tissue before removal.
• Surgical removal: In rare cases, particularly large polyps or those that cannot be removed endoscopically may require surgery.

Several lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing colon polyps:

• Regular screenings: Starting at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, regular screenings can detect polyps before they become cancerous.
• Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing red meat and processed foods can lower the risk of polyps.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of polyps.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can decrease the risk of developing polyps

If you experience symptoms or have risk factors for colon polyps, seek help from a GI specialist. The experienced providers at Digestive System Healthcare strive to inform and care for people with digestive health problems, such as colon polyps. If you believe you may need treatment for colon polyps, contact us to request a consultation.