How Do Some Polyps Turn Into Colon Cancer ?

Have you ever undergone a colonoscopy to diagnose colon polyps? Or have you ever heard of polyps in the colon? It may worry you as at times polyps can lead to cancer. It is important for you to understand that not all polyps lead to cancer. Let’s break down more about colon polyps and what you should know about it. 

Before understanding colon polyps, let’s get a brief idea about colon and how it works. 

What is colon?

The colon is a hollow tube-like structure about 5 to 6 feet long that gets connected to the rectum, which is about 6 inches long, and ends to the anus. The length of the colon can be different from person to person. Together, the colon and rectum are the final part of the digestive system. The colon has several sections, which are listed here in the order that waste moves through them:

• The cecum and ascending colon (on the right side of the body)
• The transverse colon (which runs across the belly)
• The descending colon (on the left side)
• The sigmoid colon

The colon’s main job is to turn liquid waste into solid stool. This stool can stay in the colon for anywhere from 10 hours to several days before leaving the body through the anus. 

What are colon polyps?

A colon polyp is a tiny extra growth that develops on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are not malignant, but a few have the potential to develop into colon cancer over time. That’s why it’s important to know about them, especially if any are found during a colonoscopy. 

What are the different types of colon polyps?

There are five common types of colon polyps. They are usually found during a colonoscopy and removed if possible. After that, a specialist looks at the polyp under a microscope to find out what type it is and check if there are any signs of cancer. 

• Adenomatous polyps:

This is the most common type of colon polyp, making up about 70% of all cases, and it can turn into cancer if left untreated over time. 

• Villous adenoma polyp:

It makes up to about 15% of the polyps and is flat-shaped diagnosed during a colonoscopy. They are harder to remove and have a higher chance of being cancerous compared to other common types. 

• Sessile serrated polyp:

This type of polyp is usually not cancerous when it’s in the lower part of the colon. But if it’s larger and found in the upper colon, it can be harder to spot and is more likely to turn cancer over time. 

• Hyperplastic polyps:

They usually stay small and are not cancerous, even though they grow fast. 

• Inflammatory polyps:

These aren’t polyps but are areas of inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They mostly affect people who already have IBD and usually don’t turn into cancer. 

What are the colon polyps symptoms?

If you have polyps in the colon you can experience of the following symptoms:

• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding 
• Weight loss
• Gas 
• Fatigue 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Yellowing of your skin
• Changes in bowel habits 
• Lump in the abdomen
• Swollen lymph nodes 

What are the main causes of colon polyps?

Colon polyps are generally caused due to multiple reasons, where a collection of habits or routines play a major role. The common causes of colon polyps include:

• Genetics:

Your genes can affect your chances of getting colon polyps. Some people inherit a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which raises the risk of developing many colon polyps. A gene change usually causes FAP making the cells grow too quickly. It runs in families, and a person only needs to inherit the changed gene from one parent to have the condition. 

• Family history:

If someone related by blood like a parent or sibling has had colorectal cancer, your chances of developing colon polyps are much higher. That’s why regular screening is important for people with a close family history of colon cancer. 

• Overweight:

Being overweight or obese increases your chances of getting colon polyps. This is because extra weight can slow down how your digestive system moves food. When ingested food doesn’t move smoothly, leftovers can build up leading to the growth of polyps. 

• Diet: 

Eating a diet high in fat can raise your risk of getting colon polyps. Foods like red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy increase the amount of bile acids in your body. These acids help break down fat, but too much of them can irritate the lining of your intestines, leading to inflammation and damage to the cells. 

• Smoking:

Smoking cigarettes increases your chances of getting colon polyps. Alongside you may also develop other cancers, such as lung, mouth, and throat. 

Is it normal to find a colon polyp during a colonoscopy?

Precancerous polyps are fairly common and show up in about 40% of colonoscopies. Still, most polyps aren’t precancerous, they’re harmless growth. Usually, they don’t cause any issues, but some may bleed or grow big enough to press on nearby blood vessels. In rare cases, these signs could point to early colon cancer.

On the other hand, actually finding colon cancer during a routine colonoscopy is rare, only about 40 out of every 10,000 people are diagnosed. The good news is, if a polyp is found and removed, whether it’s precancerous or not, it helps prevent colon cancer from developing. 

Are colon polyps cancerous?

No, not all abnormal growths are cancerous. Some are harmless. Although there are different types of colon polyps, and only a few will turn into colon cancer. Even the ones that could become cancer don’t always do so, they just have the possibility. That’s why they’re called “pre-cancerous”. Diagnosing these polyps and removing them during a colonoscopy is normal.

What are the chances that colon polyps turn cancerous?

As mentioned earlier, colon cancer is found in only about 0.4% of colonoscopy or CT colonography procedures. So, how worried should you be about colon polyps turning into cancer? Only 5% to 10% of all polyps will actually become cancer. 

One important thing to keep in mind is the size of the polyp. Smaller polyps, less than 1 cm wide, have a very low chance of becoming cancerous. But larger ones, 1 cm or more, have a much higher risk of turning cancerous. 

Are there any chances for polyps to grow back?

Hardly ever. Once a polyp is completely removed, it usually doesn’t grow back. But in some cases, new polyps can appear lately. If that happens, it doesn’t mean they’re cancerous. 

If you notice any chances in your bowel habits after a colonoscopy, it’s a good idea to see a digestive health specialist. And if you feel pain while passing stool, make sure to talk to reach out to the best oncology hospital in Coimbatore right away, it could be a sign of an infection or internal bleeding. 

How are colon polyps diagnosed?

Majority of the colon polyps are diagnosed during a routine colonoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist. In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently inserted through the rectum into the colon, allowing the doctor to look for polyps. You will be given medication to stay relaxed, to make the process more comfortable. If any polyps look suspicious, they are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. 

It’s recommended to begin regular colonoscopy at the age of 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, consult a doctor. 

Why is early detection important for colon polyps?

The good news is that colon polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Regular check-ups, starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer, are key to preventing it. And if colon cancer is caught early, there’s a much better chance of treating it successfully and making a full recovery.

Important Takeaway

Colon polyps and colon cancer are connected, but they aren’t the same. Polyps, especially certain types like adenomatous ones, can sometimes turn into cancer if they’re not treated. Colon cancer, however, is a serious disease that needs more advanced care. That’s why regular screenings and early treatment are so important to stop polyps from becoming cancerous. 

If it’s time for your screening or you’re worried about your colon health, talk to an experienced colon doctor in Coimbatore. Catching issues early and staying on top of your health can go a long way in preventing colon cancer.