Signs
You May Have Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are small blocks
of cells that form in a person’s colon. These colon polyps
could be completely harmless or could be a sign you may have colon
cancer. Colon polyps are likely to start appearing in a person’s
colon if they are black, over the age of 40 and obese, although
anyone can develop them.
Small colon polyps are difficult
to detect and are usually found after a doctor has performed an
examination of your bowels. Large colon polyps, though, can provide
more symptoms for sufferers.
Symptoms of Colon Polyps:
- Rectal bleeding: if you find bright red blood
on your toilet paper, this could be an indication that you have
colon polyps. Still, rectal bleeding could also just mean you
have hemorrhoids. Call your doctor if the bleeding is consistent.
- Blood in stool: stool can have red streaks
or appear black if there are colon polyps in your system. Anti-diarrhea
medications can also cause feces to turn black.
- Constipation or diarrhea: large colon polyps
can lead a person’s normal bathroom habits to change.
- Pain or obstruction: cramps, abdominal pain
and vomiting could be signs of large colon polyps.
You are at risk of developing
colon polyps if you are a male who is 40 and over and consume excessive
amounts of alcohol and cigarettes. A low-fiber diet can also lead
to colon polyps because high-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits, whole
grains) have enough bulk to push out excess waste and toxins from
your system.
If you have a family history,
regular screenings are essential to find small and large colon polyps.
Causes for the polyps can vary, but not all colon polyps are cancerous.
There are different types of colon polyps (small and mushroom-shaped
or large and flat); the larger a polyp is, the more likely it is
cancerous. The colon makes up the upper 4 to 6 feet of the large
intestine and its job is to absorb water and other nutrients from
the contents that go through the colon. The health of the colon
is vital to keep the rest of your body healthy. Visit your doctor
if you suspect you have colon polyps.
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