Intestinal Polyps

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Intestinal Polyps
Intestinal Polyps

Video: Intestinal Polyps

Video: Intestinal Polyps
Video: Intestinal polyps : Pathology lectures for fmge and neet pg 2024, March
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Intestinal polyps

Colon polyps are protrusions of the mucous membrane that protrude into the intestine. These occur in the small and large intestines. There are different types, which are differentiated according to shape, size and origin. Polyps can appear sporadically, but also numerous. They are benign tumors or protrusions of the mucous membrane. However, over time, there is a possibility that polyps could develop malignantly and colon cancer could develop.

Particularly certain polyps, the adenomas, are associated with a higher probability of becoming malignant (colorectal cancer). Adenomas are polyps that are formed from or resemble glandular tissue. These growths, which are benign in and of themselves, grow very slowly and can therefore be detected and removed at an early stage, for example during regular colonoscopies.

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  • What are the causes of intestinal polyps?
  • What are the symptoms?
  • How is the diagnosis made?
  • How is the treatment carried out?
  • Whom can I ask?

What are the causes of intestinal polyps?

It is believed that age plays a role, as does diet. For example, diets low in fiber and high in fat could promote the development of intestinal polyps. Smoking, alcohol, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the likelihood of developing colon or colon cancer. Hereditary factors are also related to colon polyps.

More information about colon cancer: Risk Factors & Symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Polyps, especially small ones, are often symptom-free. Large polyps, on the other hand, can be a mechanical obstacle to digestion. Constipation, diarrhea and / or abdominal pain can occur. Polyps usually bleed more often than normal intestinal tissue. Therefore, a cornerstone of early detection is the examination of the stool for the presence of blood. The same goes for the symptoms of colon cancer. Here, too, symptoms usually only develop from a certain size.

You can find more information about colon cancer at

  • Risk Factors & Symptoms
  • Early detection & diagnosis

Hereditary forms

If polyps occur in large numbers, one speaks of polyposis. In certain rare hereditary diseases or syndromes, thousands of adenomatous polyps occur in the intestine, such as familial adenomatous polyposis in the large intestine, Gardner syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Turcot syndrome.

How is the diagnosis made?

There are various options for diagnosing intestinal polyps. Polyps can be discovered, for example, during a preventive examination (endoscopy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy). A tumor or its preliminary stages as well as adenomas can also be identified and removed in good time, for example as part of a preventive examination. It is essential to collect the medical history (anamnesis) and to ask about any intestinal polyps that may occur in families.

The following are carried out:

  • Palpable findings (rectal examination),
  • Hemoccult test, fecal occult blood test (FOBT),
  • Endoscopic colonoscopy (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, rectoscopy, proctoscopy): During the examination, suspicious tissue (biopsy) or polyps can be removed. These are then examined and assessed under the microscope (histologically),
  • CT / MR colonography,
  • Capsule endoscopy,
  • various genetic stool tests.

The diagnosis is usually made during an endoscopic examination (usually colonoscopy). A stool examination for blood deposits (FOBT), which is carried out, for example, as part of a preventive examination, gives the first indications of the presence of polyps. Any further examinations may be necessary in certain cases (e.g. CT / MR, capsule endoscopy, etc.).

Since intestinal polyps often do not cause any noticeable symptoms for those affected, they can remain unnoticed for a long time. More information on the early detection of colon cancer.

How is the treatment carried out?

Polyps can be removed during the endoscopic examination (colonoscopy) (forceps or snare). This is done with smaller and / or so-called pedunculated polyps. With larger polyps (diameter of three centimeters or more), another surgical procedure may be necessary.

Polyps can recur. Renewed colonoscopies are therefore carried out, depending on the number and size of the adenomas and other findings, among other things.

The early removal of colon polyps (polypectomy) can prevent colon cancer from developing. Since colon cancer usually develops from colon polyps over a long period of time and does not cause typical symptoms until late, preventive medical examinations are of great importance. A preventive examination can identify and remove the tumor or its preliminary stages in good time.

Whom can I ask?

You can contact the following doctors for illnesses and complaints in the gastrointestinal area:

  • Family doctor
  • Specialist in internal medicine (gastroenterology and hepatology)
  • Specialist in general and visceral surgery

Medical check-ups are carried out by the family doctor. The colonoscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis by specialists in internal medicine or general and visceral surgery as well as in hospitals with departments for internal medicine / gastroenterology or surgery. The Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) launched the "Quality Certificate for Colon Cancer Prevention" to ensure the quality of colon cancer prevention. The list of certified institutions and resident doctors can be called up at www.oeggh.at.

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