Intestinal polyps

Intestinal polyps or Adenomas can arise in the intestinal mucosa. They are benign bulges that are usually no larger than a few millimeters. They rarely reach the size of a few centimeters. Although intestinal polyps are not dangerous at first, they should be examined and treated by a doctor, because they can also become malignant as growths of the glandular tissue. Symptoms usually only arise when the intestinal polyps have reached a certain size.

What are intestinal polyps?

Intestinal polyps, also known as adenomas, are benign protrusions of the intestinal mucous membrane. They can be millimeters in size or centimeters in size, and 90% of all tumors are benign tumors. If intestinal polyps have developed, then in most cases the glandular tissue has overgrown and slowly continues to grow as a tumor.

Colon polyps that continue to grow and enlarge over many years can turn into malignant tumors. Colon polyps can occur individually or in groups and are attached to the intestinal mucosa in various ways.

The growth rate of benign adenomas is very slow with a maximum of one millimeter. Above a certain size, colon polyps can turn into malignant carcinomas if they are not removed.

causes

Various causes are responsible for the development of intestinal polyps, one of which is heredity. Diet is also a major cause of intestinal polyps, especially in developed countries, where they are widespread. Too much animal fats (meat, sausage) and too little fiber, obesity, nicotine and alcohol promote the development of intestinal polyps.

If the intestinal polyps are hereditary, then polyposis, Gardner, Cowden and Peutz-Jeghers syndromes are the causes. Polyposis is a familial adenomatous disease that is based on a genetic defect. Colon polyps caused by Gardner syndrome are also caused by a genetic defect and in almost all cases also trigger colon cancer.

Colon polyps and increased brown spots on the extremities and in the mouth are signs of the cause of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Colon polyps in Cowden's syndrome are hereditary and often occur in connection with thyroid and breast cancer.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

With most intestinal polyps, those affected do not feel any discomfort or symptoms. Only when the polyps are large can symptoms arise. Larger intestinal polyps impair bowel function and cause irregular stool. Diarrhea and constipation are typical, often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps in the abdomen.

Colon polyps are occasionally noticeable as bloody or slimy secretions in the stool. The stool is blackened or has other unusual signs. It can later be mushy or even liquid if the colon polyps hold back parts of the stool or prevent proper digestion.

Colon polyps can also cause pressure in the bowel area. This is especially noticeable after large meals and at night. In the long term, colon polyps can develop into colon cancer. If this is the case, people may notice this from the unusual stool behavior and a number of other symptoms.

This leads to severe abdominal pain and cramps, which are accompanied by an increasing feeling of illness. Most people lose body weight and feel generally unwell. In order to avoid such a severe course, a specialist should be consulted at the first signs of intestinal polyps.

diagnosis

Intestinal polyps are initially completely normal. Therefore, as you get older, an intestinal examination can provide information about whether intestinal polyps are present. Anyone who suffers from diarrhea or constipation, or who has frequent abdominal pain, should undergo intestinal exams, as these may be indications of colon polyps.

If blood and mucus are noticed in the stool, or the stool is black in color, these could also be signs of the colon polyps. Colon polyps grow invisibly and occur more frequently from the age of 50, with women being less affected by colon polyps than men. For this reason, preventive examinations have been introduced in Germany that begin as a rectal examination with the finger. If there is blood in the stool, a hemoccult test can be used to determine whether the cause is intestinal polyps.

Complications

Intestinal polyps are benign growths in the intestinal mucosa that initially do not cause any health problems and are usually discovered during the preventive medical check-up. They grow over a long period of time with no noticeable symptoms. Often the patients complain of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

In the course of the disease, intestinal polyps can be associated with various complications. From a certain size, intestinal polyps impair the intestine and the functions associated with it. Obstruction of the stool occurs, which can cause an intestinal obstruction. When colon polyps bleed, the constant loss of blood leads to anemia and associated dizziness.

Stool irregularities such as constipation, diarrhea, and blood and mucus in the stool occur. As a result, electrolytes and proteins are lost. The chair can also be colored black. The greatest health risk is that intestinal polyps above a certain size can degenerate into malignant carcinomas. In the case of polyps that are not hereditary, this risk only arises from a certain size and longer growth.

In the case of hereditary colon polyps, there is generally an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Colon polyps are actually benign colon tumors that usually cause only minor discomfort as long as they don't persist for a long period of time. Therefore, in most cases, the prognosis is positive. However, if colon polyps remain untreated, there is an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

When should you go to the doctor?

The symptoms of intestinal polyps are very minor or, in many cases, nonexistent. Since their presence is often discovered by chance, there are few specific indications that suggest them.

In general, a doctor's visit is necessary as soon as there are intestinal problems that occur over several days and cannot be explained by other diseases. If symptoms of diarrhea occur, if constipation occurs or if the bowel movements are changed, a doctor should be consulted.

If you have bleeding, a feeling of pressure in your abdomen or a general malaise, you should see a doctor. If there are any unusual symptoms associated with sexual practices such as anal sex, this is a cause for concern that should be addressed by a doctor. If there is swelling in the abdomen or a feeling of thickening, a doctor's visit is necessary.

Since intestinal polyps often occur in connection with diseases such as colon cancer, check-ups should be carried out as early as possible if symptoms are present. In addition, from the age of 50, it is advisable to regularly take part in preventive examinations for cancer so that early diagnosis can take place.

If a black-brown discolored bowel movement occurs repeatedly, this must be examined by a doctor. If there are digestive disorders, a feeling of fullness or unusual intestinal noises, a visit to the doctor is also advisable.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Colon polyps are diagnosed with a colonoscopy and if they are larger than 5 millimeters, they are removed painlessly during the colonoscopy. To do this, an endoscope is used through which a small loop can be passed, with the help of which intestinal polyps are separated from the intestinal mucosa. Then the tissue of the intestinal polyps is examined to be sure to rule out malignant tumors.

In the case of hereditary intestinal polyps and large intestinal polyps, surgery is used instead of endoscopy. Once colon polyps have been discovered and removed, it is relatively likely that colon polyps will occur again after a few years. In this respect, the therapy of intestinal polyps includes the diet factor, which causally promotes the development of intestinal polyps.

In the case of intestinal polyp formation, the patient can do a great deal to ensure that no further intestinal tumors develop. A healthy and balanced diet ensures that intestinal polyps do not develop in the first place.

Outlook & forecast

The intestinal polyps usually have a good prognosis. If they are recognized in good time and removed from the intestine, there is a recovery within a few days and subsequent freedom from symptoms. Shortly after the procedure, sterile wound care is of particular importance, as germs can enter the organism through the open areas.

The ablation site of the intestinal polyps bleeds and must be specially protected so that no secondary diseases occur. The intestinal polyps can develop again at any time. Therefore, regular check-ups are important for maintaining good health. The first hemoccult test is carried out six months after the intestinal polyps have been removed. As soon as it is without results, a new test is carried out every three years for control purposes.

If new intestinal polyps appear, if they are removed early, there is again a good prognosis. The prospect of a favorable course changes as soon as the intestinal polyps remain undetected and remain in the intestine for several years.

Polyps in the intestine can mutate after about 5-10 years. In many patients, they change from a benign colon tumor to a malignant tumor. This means that the person concerned is in a life-threatening condition. The risk of developing colon cancer increases with the size of the polyp. This is promoted with an unhealthy diet.

Aftercare

If the intestinal polyps have been completely removed, polyp follow-up is recommended, which depends on the patient's individual risk (concomitant diseases, diverticulosis, familial stress, histological examination). For example, if small, non-neoplastic polyps have been removed, a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended every ten years; if three to ten polyps have been removed, a follow-up examination should be carried out after three years.

If more than ten polyps have been removed, they are checked closely every two to six months, followed by a colonoscopy every three to five years. The aim of the follow-up examinations is to identify new growth as early as possible and then treat it accordingly. If symptoms such as changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, pain or weight loss occur between the polyp follow-up care, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Normally, after the polyps have been removed, the treating doctor informs the patient about the measures or therapies carried out or about which therapies still appear necessary. Further check-ups and follow-up examinations can then also be arranged with a resident gastroenterologist in the vicinity of your place of residence. In addition, during a follow-up examination, there is the option of being able to turn to a special specialist with any problems or questions.

You can do that yourself

A healthy diet and lifestyle have a positive influence on the development and frequency of occurrence of intestinal polyps. Meals should be balanced and high in fiber. It is helpful if unnecessary fats or irritants such as chilli or hot additives are not consumed.

In addition, intake of toxins such as nicotine or alcohol should be avoided. Sufficient rest, stress reduction, regular sporting activities and a diet rich in vitamins are beneficial for a strengthened immune system. This minimizes any discomfort and supports the healing process.

In addition, a stable immune system can reduce the likelihood of colon polyps. For a good well-being of the intestines, detoxification can be carried out at longer intervals. The intestines should always be given time to process between meals. This has a positive effect on the intestinal flora and thus optimizes bowel activity.

People who are overweight can reduce their own weight by changing their diet and at the same time improve their own well-being. See a doctor at the first sign of intestinal problems. The polyps can only be detected during a colonoscopy, so it is helpful to find a way to a doctor at an early stage. This prevents uncontrolled spread in good time.