Colorectal Polyps in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat are colon polyps?
Colorectal polyps, occasionally known as colon polyps, are a frequent occurrence found in adult individuals. The term “colorectal” speaks to the colon as well as the rectum. Many conditions that affect the colon tend to include the rectum, which is the reason they are many times talked about together. A colorectal polyp is a polyp that presents in either the colon or the rectum. A colorectal polyp is a growth comprised of a group of cells on the lining of your colon or rectum.
Polyps on their own are mostly harmless and commonly don't cause symptoms; however, colon polyps need to be removed since they can, after a time, present as cancerous. To obtain a diagnosis of colon polyps, the gastrointestinal specialists at Digestive Health Specialists routinely carry out colonoscopy procedures. Please get in touch with our facility to set up a colonoscopy in Kansas City, MO.
What are the causes of colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps form when cells grow or divide more than what is most common. The medical community is still undecided as to why this is the case; however, there are connections and risk factors that are associated with people who live with colon or rectal polyps.
Common risk factors for colon polyps include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Being over the age of 45
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
- Having a family or personal history of colon or rectal polyps
- Obesity
- “Typical Western diet” (low fiber, high fat)
- Crohn's disease
Hereditary genetic conditions can increase your risk of developing colorectal polyps. Those conditions could include:
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What are the symptoms of colon and rectal polyps?
Many cases of colorectal polyps are not manifested with symptoms. If symptoms are being experienced, some of the most common indications of colorectal polyps include:
- Constipation
- Iron deficiency/anemia
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than a week)
- Exhaustion
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, are 45 years of age or older, or have a family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer and are in the Kansas City, MO area, reach out to our office about screening for colon cancer.
What does it mean if a physician finds polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is common to detect polyps in conjunction with a colonoscopy, and most commonly, polyps are benign (not cancerous). Polyps identified during a colonoscopy will usually be removed during the course of a colonoscopy (polypectomy) and tested for cancer. If your colon or rectal polyps are diagnosed as non-cancerous, then your provider is likely to advise routine screenings for colorectal cancer in the future. If any polyp is diagnosed as malignant (cancerous), you and your Digestive Health Specialists physician will make a plan with the most advantageous steps moving forward.
The most common avenue to address colorectal polyps is by excising them. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in the colon and rectum can be removed in a procedure known as a polypectomy. In extreme situations, part or all of your rectum or colon may require removal.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colorectal polyps genetic?
Carrying a familial history of colon polyps can elevate your own chance of developing this condition. Some types of polyps may have a genetic link and occur among relatives. Speak with your gastrointestinal doctor about your personal and family history of colorectal polyps to determine your risk and the need for colorectal cancer testing.
Do colon polyps grow back?
It is rare for a colon polyp to regrow once it is fully removed. However, some individuals may have new polyps arise in other parts of the rectum or colon (large intestine). It is, therefore, highly important to undergo routine colon cancer screenings as prescribed by your gastroenterologist.
Can colon polyps be prevented?
It might not be possible to prevent colorectal polyps from arising, especially if you carry an increased risk due to genetics. However, healthy lifestyle choices might help decrease the risk of these growths. Such factors can involve following a balanced diet, avoiding the use of tobacco, consuming alcohol in moderation, and getting plenty of exercise. Receiving periodic colonoscopy screenings upon turning 45 can also help reduce the chance of polyps.
How long is recovery following colon polyp removal?
Generally, most patients need around seven days to recuperate following a polypectomy during a colonoscopy. Our Digestive Health Specialists staff will provide you with post-operative information on what to anticipate during recovery and when you can get back to your normal routine.
Find treatment for colon or rectal polyps
Colon polyps can be diagnosed, excised, and evaluated for cancer at a routine colonoscopy procedure. As a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, Digestive Health Specialists works to provide a patient-focused experience. To discover more about colon and rectal polyps and how they might be located and excised, we recommend that you contact our gastroenterology facility in Kansas City, MO today.
Reviews
Friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the office. Come a little early for paperwork - there are a few things to review prior to the procedure even if you’re pre-registered. Nurses were great - made sure I was comfortable and at ease. Also met with anesthesia pre-procedure who was also very nice and professional. Dr “Sam” was great and answered all questions and was very thorough. Never felt rushed or unsure of staff!! Great experience for a colonoscopy!! Lol. The prep wasn’t too bad and I don’t remember anything until after it was all over!!
Dr. Clement was warm, courteous and professional. I felt very comfortable with him performing my colonoscopy.
Dr Lucido is so sweet she pays attention to what you are saying to her and I like that in a Doctor ❤️
Very caring and skilled MD. Plus he’s surrounded by a fantastic nursing staff. I always felt safe and cared for during my procedure.
Dr. Tritsch is an excellent Doctor. He actually listened to me & the problems I was having. He set forth a plan to help my situation.
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