Removing colon polyps to prevent cancer

Having a colon polyp is both bad and good news. The bad news? It means that a small cluster of cells has grown on the lining of the colon that shouldn’t be there. The good news? Discovering the growth”¯during a colonoscopy means doctors can safely and completely remove the polyp before it has a chance to become cancerous. 

Since colorectal cancer is a leading form of cancer among men and women in the United States, and any opportunity to stop it from forming is valuable. About 153,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 52,550 are expected to die of the disease this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet colorectal cancer is one of the few malignancies that can be prevented, just by undergoing regular colonoscopy screening tests and staying on top of any polyps that may form. Most colon polyps aren’t cancerous, but anyone can develop one. A person is at higher risk if the individual is 45 or older, male, Black, overweight, consumes tobacco or excessive amounts of alcohol or has a low fiber diet. Certain genetic conditions can also put someone at higher risk of polyps, but this is rare. 

People who are found with colon polyps often present without symptoms, but can sometimes manifest with a change in bowel habits; a change in stool color; iron-deficiency anemia, which can stem from polyps slowly bleeding; pain, which may occur if a polyp grows large; and rectal bleeding. 

Certain characteristics of polyps can make them more concerning. The size, number and type of polyp that someone has are all factors doctors take into account in deciding how often patients should be screened for colorectal cancer going forward. A larger polyp, a higher number of polyps and certain types of polyps (as determined when examined under a microscopy) are higher risk and would require more frequent colonoscopies.”¯ 

But at the time a polyp is discovered, there’s only one thing doctors focus on getting rid of it. 

We do that during the colonoscopy by using different techniques to remove the polyp in real time. These techniques allow us to decrease a patient’s risk of developing colorectal cancer significantly. 

People can also lower their risk of developing colon polyps and colorectal cancer by undergoing regular screenings. Beyond that, certain lifestyle measures can also help, including eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; reducing fat consumption; limiting alcohol; quitting tobacco use, if applicable; staying physically active; and maintaining a healthy body weight. 

Additionally, those considered at high risk of colorectal cancer due to a family history should consider getting genetic counseling. Anyone diagnosed with a genetic disorder that causes colon polyps will need regular colonoscopies starting earlier than the standard screening age. Outside of these circumstances, people should begin colorectal cancer screening at 45. Although there are some cases when colonoscopies need to be done annually, most patients will not need a repeat colonoscopy for another few years. 

Polyps aren’t cancer, but some have the potential to turn into cancer. That’s why we remove them– so they never have the chance. 

Pratima Dibba, M.D., M.B.A, is a gastroenterologist at Medical Offices of Manhattan, which offers”¯comprehensive health care at four locations in New York City. For more, visitmedicalofficesofmanhattan.com.