Warning signs of colon polyps

Benign tumors (polyps) in the colon can cause changes in bowel habits, abdominal cramps, anemia, and bleeding.

Colorectal polyps are protruding growths within the lumen of the colon and rectum, formed by excessive proliferation of the colorectal mucosa.

Dr. Bui Quang Thach, a specialist in Gastroenterology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi , stated that the colon can have many protruding masses resembling polyps, but these are not polyps, such as myomas or lipomas. Most colon polyps are hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps, both of which are benign tumors. Adenomatous polyps and villous polyps have a high risk of developing into malignancy after many years. Those larger than one centimeter that are left untreated can also progress to colon cancer.

According to Dr. Thach, most cases of colon polyps do not cause symptoms and may go undetected without a screening colonoscopy. Some symptoms are easily confused with other digestive problems. Patients should seek specialized medical attention if they experience any of the following signs.

Changes in bowel habits : If constipation or diarrhea persists without a clear cause, it may be due to colon polyps or polyps that have grown large. Large or ulcerated polyps in the lower rectum near the anus cause irritable bowel symptoms such as frequent loose stools, cramping, and tenesmus, which can easily be misdiagnosed as dysentery.

Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting : Large polyps can cause partial or complete bowel obstruction, resulting in cramping abdominal pain, accompanied by vomiting or nausea, and constipation (intestinal obstruction).

Changes in stool color: Certain foods, supplements, and medications can alter the color of stool. Unusually foul-smelling stools accompanied by streaks of blood, fresh blood staining the stool, or mucus mixed with dark brown blood are warning signs. In some cases, bleeding is not visible to the naked eye and requires microscopic examination or a stool test to detect red blood cells.

Rectal bleeding : This is a sign that a large rectal polyp has become severe. Patients may see blood on their underwear or toilet paper, which can be easily mistaken for hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Iron deficiency anemia : Bleeding from polyps occurs silently over a long period, leading to anemia. Chronic bleeding results in iron deficiency, causing the body to not produce enough hemoglobin, reducing the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the organs. Patients often experience fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.

Large colon polyps can obstruct the bowel, causing abdominal cramps. (Image: Freepik)

According to Dr. Thach, colon polyps tend to develop slowly. The exact cause is currently unknown. Risk factors include those aged 45 and older; a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer; smoking and alcohol consumption; obesity; sedentary lifestyle; and unbalanced nutrition. Genetic disorders such as familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, Lynch syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have a higher risk of developing the condition.

After detecting colon polyps suspected of being precancerous, doctors monitor and treat them using endoscopic resection or mucosal resection techniques to remove the entire tumor and prevent malignant transformation. Failure to thoroughly remove dysplastic tissues (abnormalities due to excessive cell proliferation) can cause them to progress into cancer more quickly.

Patients who have had polyps removed need regular check-ups to monitor their condition. The timing and frequency of testing depend on the number, size, analysis results, and a combination of other risk factors.

Dr. Thach added that if the first colonoscopy showed no polyps, or if adenomatous polyps or serrated polyps were found but there were fewer than three and they were larger than 10 mm, the next colonoscopy should be 5 years later to completely remove the polyps.

If the initial endoscopy reveals three or more adenomatous polyps (adenomatous polyps 10 mm or larger, villous adenomatous polyps or villous duct polyps), serrated polyps, etc., a repeat endoscopy is needed after three years.

If the first colonoscopy reveals more than 5 adenomatous polyps, the next colonoscopy should be performed one year after removal. If the preparation for the first colonoscopy was not thorough, the patient may undergo the procedure earlier than the above timeframes. It is recommended for individuals aged 45 to 50 to have a colonoscopy to prevent the risk of polyps.

Trinh Mai

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