Colorectal polyp

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Colon polyps
Classification and external resources
Polyp of sigmoid colon as revealed by colonoscopy. Approximately 1 cm in diameter. The polyp was removed by snare cautery
ICD-10 K63.5 & various
MedlinePlus 000266
eMedicine med/414 
MeSH C23.300.825
Gross appearance of a colectomy specimen containing two colorectal polyps and one invasive colorectal carcinoma.
Gross appearance of a colectomy specimen containing two colorectal polyps and one invasive colorectal carcinoma.

A colorectal polyp (or colon polyp) is a fleshy growth (polyp) occurring on the lining of the colon or rectum.[1] Untreated colorectal polyps can develop into colorectal cancer.[2]

Contents

[edit] Symptoms

Colorectal polyps are not usually associated with symptoms.[2] When they occur, symptoms include rectal bleeding, bloody stools, abdominal pain and fatigue.[2] A change in bowel habits may occur including constipation and diarrhoea.[3] Occasionally, if a polyp is big enough to cause a bowel obstruction, there may be nausea, vomiting and severe constipation.[3]

[edit] Screening and diagnosis

Colorectal polyps can be detected using a faecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, digital rectal examination, barium enema or a pill camera.[3]

[edit] Treatment

Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy using a wire loop that cuts the stalk of the polyp and cauterises it to prevent bleeding.[3] Many "defiant" polyps — large, flat, and otherwise laterally spreading adenomas — may be removed endoscopically by techniques that involve injection of fluid underneath them, to lift them and thus enable them to be taken out. These techniques, when they may be employed, are an alternative to a much-more-invasive colectomy.[4]

[edit] Structure

Polyps are either pedunculated (attached to the intestinal wall by a stalk) or sessile (grow directly from the wall).[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Santero, Michael; Dennis Lee (2005-03-25). Colon polyp symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. MedicineNet.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  2. ^ a b c Lehrer, Jenifer K. (2006-07-25). Colorectal polyps. MedlinePlus. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  3. ^ a b c d Colon polyps. Mayo Clinic (2007-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  4. ^ "How I Do It" — Removing large or sessile colonic polyps. Dr. Brian Saunders MD FRCP; St. Mark’s Academic Institute; Harrow, Middlesex, UK. Retrieved April 9, 2008.
  5. ^ Classen, Meinhard; G. N. J. Tytgat, Charles J. Lightdale (2002). Gastroenterological Endoscopy. Thieme, 303. ISBN 1588900134. 

[edit] External links

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