Colorectal Polyps in Florida
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps, often referred to as colorectal polyps, are a common medical condition in the adult population. The word “colorectal” speaks to the colon as well as the rectum. Several health situations that impact the colon many times also affect the rectum, which is the reason they are many times mentioned together. A colon polyp is a polyp that exists in either the colon or the rectum. A colon or rectal polyp is a growth comprised of a group of cells on the lining of the rectum or colon.
Polyps alone are mostly benign and commonly do not cause symptoms; however, colon polyps should be addressed because they can, over time, grow to be cancerous. In order to identify colon polyps, the GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida commonly provide colonoscopy exams. Please schedule a consultation to book a colonoscopy in Florida.
What causes colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps present when cells experience more division or growth than what is most common. The medical community remains undecided why it is that this happens, but, there are relationships and risk factors that are associated with individuals who present with colon or rectal polyps.
Some of the risk factors for rectal polyps are:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Tobacco use
- Being over the age of 45
- “Typical Western diet” (low fiber, high fat)
- Having a family or personal history of colorectal polyps
- Genetic history
- Being overweight
Inherited genetic conditions can elevate an individual's risk of contending with colon or rectal polyps. Such conditions may include but are not limited to:
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Lynch syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
What are common symptoms of colon and rectal polyps?
Many cases of colon polyps do not manifest with symptoms. If symptoms are being experienced, some of the most common indications of colorectal polyps include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than one week)
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Iron deficiency anemia
If you experience any combination of the previously mentioned symptoms, are age 45 or above, have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps, and are in the Florida area, please reach out to us to learn more about screening for colorectal cancer at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida.
What if a doctor finds polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is commonplace to identify polyps during a colonoscopy, and often, polyps are not cancerous (benign). Polyps identified through a colonoscopy will quite often be removed during your colonoscopy (polypectomy) and evaluated for cancer. If your colorectal polyps are diagnosed as non-malignant, then your doctor may request routine screenings for colon cancer moving forward. If your polyp is determined to be malignant (cancerous), you and your Gastroenterology Associates of Florida specialist will discuss the appropriate steps moving forward.
The most common way to treat colon or rectal polyps is by removing them. During the course of a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in your colon and rectum can be removed in a procedure referred to as a polypectomy. In severe situations, some or all of your rectum or colon may need to be removed. Schedule a consultation with our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida for more information.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colon polyps genetic?
A familial history of colorectal polyps can heighten your personal chance of developing this health concern. Some forms of polyps may have a genetic link and be more prevalent among members of the same family. Speak with your GI provider about your health and family history of polyps to review your risk and the need for colon cancer testing.
Will colorectal polyps return?
It is unusual for a colorectal polyp to redevelop once it is extracted. However, some individuals may have new polyps arise in other locations within the rectum or large intestine (colon). Therefore, it is highly important to have regular colon cancer screenings as recommended by your GI provider.
Can colorectal polyps be prevented?
It might not be possible to prevent colon polyps from developing, particularly if you are at an increased risk due to hereditary factors. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of colon or rectal polyps. Such factors can involve drinking alcohol in moderation, avoiding tobacco use, getting adequate exercise, and following a well-balanced diet. Undergoing routine colonoscopy exams once you turn 45 can also help reduce the chance of polyps.
How long is the recovery period following colon polyp removal?
The majority of patients typically need about one week to recover after undergoing a polypectomy during a colonoscopy exam. Our Gastroenterology Associates of Florida team will provide post-op instructions on what to anticipate during recovery and when you can resume normal daily activities.
Find treatment for colon or rectal polyps
Colorectal polyps can be identified, excised, and assessed for cancer while you are undergoing a routine colonoscopy. As a physician-led network of gastrointestinal specialists, Gastroenterology Associates of Florida aspires to provide a personalized patient experience. To discover more about colon polyps and how they may be found and removed, we recommend that you reach out to our GI locations in Florida today.
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