Polyps Specialist

What are polyps?

Polyps are small bundles of cells that develop inside your colon and are usually harmless. However, when left untreated, polyps sometimes turn into cancer that spreads to other areas of your body. Because polyps typically don’t cause any symptoms, it is important to get screened for them if you're at risk.

What are the symptoms of colon polyps?

If you do have symptoms associated with colon polyps, you may experience:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Changes in the color of your stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Iron-deficiency anemia

Early detection and removal of polyps reduce the risk of complications. The earlier your gastroenterologist removes polyps, the lower your chance of getting cancer. 

What are the risk factors for polyps?

While anyone can develop polyps, some factors increase your chance of having them. Examples include:

• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Being older than 50
• Smoking 
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of colon polyps or cancer
• African American race
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise

Getting regular exercise, eating more fiber, not smoking, and limiting alcohol use reduce your chance of developing polyps. Other healthy habits that may prevent polyps include maintaining an ideal body weight and taking dietary supplements.

How does my provider diagnose polyps?

The Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team discusses your medical history and symptoms with you to determine if you have polyps. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy using CT scans, or flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies use small lighted tubes with cameras attached to get a more in-depth view of your colon and rectum.

How are polyps treated?

Treatment for polyps usually involves removing them during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Your provider might use forceps, a wire loop, liquid injections, or other procedures to eliminate the polyps. They may complete minimally invasive surgery for larger polyps or remove part of your large intestine to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.

The Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team lets you know when to schedule your next colon cancer screening.

To get screened for polyps, call the Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg office or schedule online today.