Let’s see few questions and answers that are frequently asked by many people regarding colon, polyps, colon cancer and healthy foods for colon
What are the polyps?
A growth or the development of tissue from the lining of the large intestine or colon is referred to as colon polyps or intestinal polyp. Simply, polyps can grow in any part of the colon; it includes both large and small intestine and colon.
Shape and size of polyp is like mushroom with a narrow fleshy muscle that connects the colon wall. Few other polyps are flatter and can grow directly on the colon wall.
The Size of polyps could vary from 2 millimeter to 1 inch diameter approximately.
How common are they?
Let’s find few statistics: Children
Polyps are found in about 1-2% of the children’s large intestine/colon. There is a type of polyp named juvenile, found more than 95% in children under 10 years old and mostly those are in 2 to 6 years of age. Left side of the colon is mostly affected by the juvenile polyps.
Adults
Most of the adults above the age of 50 have greater chance of getting colon polyps and later can develop in colon cancer. It doesn’t mean young people are out of risk but history and science finds very less evidence for young person getting affected of colon cancer.
Few of the children inherit genes and develop severe polyps (referred to as polyposis syndromes).
What are the symptoms of polyps?
- Adults or children with polyps has tendency of passing blood in the stools. This bloody stool does not cause any pain but loosing this small amount of blood over a month can make iron-deficiency anemia to children.
- Crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucus, nausea etc. can be common symptoms of polyps.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis can be done through barium enema, gastrointestinal-endoscopy, colonoscopy, proctoscopy, fecal occult blood test etc. The procedure of each diagnosis is different and most of the medical practitioner suggest colonoscopy because while diagnosis only polyps removal can be done.
And if the polyps are identified in early stage of growth then supplements can be used for removal.
What are potential complications of polyps?
Polyps bleed in large amount rarely, especially in case of break or tear (autoamputate). These can cause blockage in intestines called intussusception.
What increases the risk of getting colon polyps?
You are more sensitive or likely to have colon polyps if:
- Your family has history of colon cancer and polyps
- You are over 40 years of age
- You eat Junk foods, mostly western diet and civilization
- You inherited gene from parents
- You have Ulcerative colitis
Why do polyps form?
The specific facts and reasons are unknown but other reasons could be family history and inherited genes. Only thing we can do is to keep ourselves clean and colon healthy by right diet system and doing whatever we can do.
How are polyps removed?
Polyps are removed usually through colonoscopy or if risk is very less than supplements can be used. Several natural supplements are found in market that can help you melting polyps and heal. Colon Cleansing is good for every human being.
Next session will be on:
What are the common foods that can be taken for healthy colon?