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Rectal polyps are small growths that project from the lining of the rectum. Although they are not cancerous, they have the potential to become cancer. This is why polyps should be removed and the entire colon checked for more polyps.
Polyps tend to run in families. There are a few inherited conditions in which many polyps appear at an early age. In these conditions, cancer almost always develops, so the standard treatment is to remove the entire colon. The conditions are rare and account for less than 1 percent of all colon and rectal cancers. Most polyps are found in people over 50 who have no other symptoms. Undetected blood loss and resulting anaemia may occur. A large polyp may form an ulcer, which usually causes bloody stools. Polyps may develop after a flare-up of colitis. Cancer screening tests are important to identify polyps and signs of cancer in the colon. The tests for examining the colon include a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium x-ray. A colonoscopy is a visual check of the colon with a long flexible instrument through which the doctor can remove polyps. A sigmoidoscopy is a flexible tube with a light that allows direct viewing of the lining of the lower one-third of the colon. A barium x-ray combines a barium enema with x-rays of the colon. THE FOLLOWING TESTS ARE RECOMMENDED: - digital rectal examination for men and women 40 years and older
- regular prostate screening and examination for men 50 years and older
- annual faecal occult blood test for men and women 50 years and older
Article #5417 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
