Symptoms
Adenomatous polyps typically do not cause symptoms unless they progress tocolon cancer.
Even then, there may be no sign of a problem until the malignancy is advanced.
This is why colon cancer screenings are so important.
Possible symptomsof an adenomatous polyp include:
Causes
Adenomatous polyps can form anywhere in the large intestine.
Gene mutationscan contribute to the formation of adenomatous polyps because they cause cells to divide in an unregulated way.
If a polyp is found, it is often removed using a procedure known as apolypectomy.
Removing a polyp means that it cant continue to grow and become cancerous.
Areas of concern within the colon will be marked with a tattoo and noted in thepathology report.
In general, cases of multiple or large polyps are more likely to turn cancerous.
Updated Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations
Adenomatous polyps are found during various colorectal cancer screening tests.
This test may be done with or without prep and with or without sedation.
Adenomatous polyps further up in the colon can not be seen or removed.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be repeated every five years.
Virtual colonoscopy should be repeated every five years.
Stool-Based Tests
Astool testwill be used to look for signs of polyps and/or colon cancer in the stool.
Depending on the jot down of test used, screening should be repeated every one to three years.
As they get larger, the risk of cancer increases.
That said, most adenomatous polyps are benign (non-cancerous) and harmless.
Polypectomy
Most adenomatous polyps will be removed through a procedure known as apolypectomy.
Special tools on the colonoscope are used during a colonoscopy to remove polyps, including a wire loop.
The loop might be used to snare the polyp at its base and remove it.
Serious complications after a polypectomy are not common.
This is also sometimes called minimally invasive surgery.
Because the incisions are small, scarring is minimized and people often recover quicker than with open surgery.
The findings are largely based on the jot down, location, and characteristics of the removed polyps.
These include:
Sessile serrated adenomas and traditional serrated adenomas have an increased risk of turning cancerous.
After an adenomatous polyp is found and removed, the next step is to discuss follow-up with the gastroenterologist.
Although the overall risk may be small, all adenomatous polyps arerisk factors for cancer.
In most cases, follow-up screening will be advised.
The interval will be based on current ACS/USPTF guidelines and other factors, such as your cancer risk.
Most adenomas are benign but some can turn cancerous.
Risk factors include older age, smoking, and a family history of polyps.
Removing polyps also reduces the risk of them turning cancerous.
Routine colon cancer screening is recommended starting from the age of 45.
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