Symptoms of intestinal polyps in men. Reasons for the formation of polyps in the intestines, methods for their removal. Why do polyps appear?

Early detection of the disease and its treatment increase the chances of recovery, significantly reduce the risk of complications and prolong life. Polyps in the intestines are no exception, and with their timely removal, in almost 85% of cases a complete cure is observed.

However, it is worth noting that the recurrence of polypous formations is also likely. Relapse is diagnosed in 20% of cases, especially if there were large polyps. Also, there is a risk of their cancerous degeneration, so regular monitoring is required in order to prevent their malignant transformation in time.

The male population is more predisposed to intestinal polyps. Often the disease is detected after 45 years of age, but cases of the disease in childhood cannot be excluded.

Features of the disease

A polypous tumor-like formation, attached with a stalk to the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall, is an intestinal polyp. It can be solitary, located in groups or have a diffuse nature. Multiple lesions are more prone to malignancy and therefore require special attention.

Why are polyps in the intestines dangerous?

The danger of intestinal polyps lies in the development of complications associated with the progression of the disease and an increase in tumor formation. These include:

• intestinal dysfunction, when a person is bothered by constipation, which may be a sign of intestinal obstruction;
• bleeding from the anus as a result of ulceration of the polyp or its trauma during endoscopic examination;
• cancerous transformation of the tumor;
• general intoxication, due to the absorption of toxic products from stagnant intestinal contents into the bloodstream.

Causes of intestinal polyps formation

The main cause of the disease cannot be identified. We can only list the factors that predispose to the occurrence of polyp-like growths:

• prolonged inflammatory process;
• trauma during endoscopic examination or solid feces during prolonged constipation;
• irritation of the mucous membrane by stagnant intestinal contents;
• hereditary predisposition;
• improper irregular nutrition (diet, dry food, foods with carcinogens, carbonated drinks);
• diverticulosis;
• alcohol;
• vascular diseases.

First signs

The first clinical signs may not appear at the initial stage. In this regard, it is necessary to consult a doctor if intestinal dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea), mucous discharge and periodic pain in the lower abdomen occur.

Symptoms

As the number or size of the polyp increases, symptoms such as:

• prolonged constipation;
• general weakness;
• lower abdominal pain;
• bloody, mucous discharge;
• palpation of a tumor formation through the abdominal wall.

It is also worth noting that blood in the stool may indicate cancerous transformation.

Can an intestinal polyp turn into cancer?

There is a risk that the formation will become malignant. It reaches 1% of cases, but when the oncological process is detected at an early stage, especially with a single polyp, the survival rate reaches 80%. As for diffuse lesions, the prognosis is not so favorable.

Factors and conditions promoting cancer transformation

Malignant transformation can be provoked by trauma, which occurs with a blow to the stomach, endoscopic examination, or dense feces during chronic constipation.

Important tests and examinations

The examination of the patient includes palpation of the intestinal walls, the prostate gland in men, using the finger method through the rectum. A laboratory test can detect blood in the stool.

As for instrumental techniques, preference is given to colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, rectoscopy and irrigoscopy, which allows you to visualize haustration after taking a barium solution.

If necessary, tomography (computer, magnetic resonance) is prescribed.

Treatment and removal

Surgical tactics for intestinal polyps are the most correct solution, since it is not possible to prevent the progression of the disease with medication.

Large intestinal polyps are excised in sections, and small growths can be removed endoscopically, surgically or by electroexcision.

After removal, the tumor is sent for cytological and histological examination, based on the results of which further treatment is determined. If cancer cells are detected, the affected part of the intestine is removed. The entire large intestine is removed during diffuse.

Prevention

Preventive measures are aimed at normalizing the nutritional diet, increasing physical activity and timely treatment of concomitant pathologies of the digestive tract.

Forecast

In case of early diagnosis and treatment, polyps in the intestines have a fairly favorable prognosis, however, with multiple lesions or malignancy of the polyp, the prognosis depends on the stage of the pathological process. Also, it should be noted that relapses are possible, usually developing 1-3 years after surgery.

A problem with the human body can lead to unpleasant growths appearing in different parts of the body. They look like small beads attached to a stem, which appear either singly or in whole groups. The intestines are no exception. If a polyp appears on the skin, it is visible to the naked eye. But how to identify these unpleasant tumor-like formations inside the gastrointestinal tract? How do the symptoms manifest? First things first.

What it is

Polyps are benign formations. They consist of special glandular cells. The entire body is attached to the intestinal wall on a special leg. The cells receive nutrients through the stalk. Tumors usually spread in different parts of the colon.

The age most susceptible to infection is youth. This is facilitated by inflammatory processes that occur in the body during this period. If foreign bodies are not identified in time, this can lead to the development of cancer.

Expert opinion

Shubin Mikhail

Statistics show that only 25% of patients at this age were diagnosed with intestinal polyposis. In adults and children, these figures are even lower. Only 15% of patients had problems with intestinal tumors.

Most often, growths are localized in the rectum. If neglected, the disease can cause cancer.

They can be found much less frequently in the duodenum. Polyps in this area are called acid-related. They multiply near the bulb and appear in patients who suffer from gastritis.

Bile-mediated species (BDC) arise in the sphincter. They appear most often in patients who have diseases such as cholecystitis or cholelithiasis.

Causes of polyps

As of 2020, the exact causes of polyp formation have not been identified. Because Science still has very scanty data on neoplasms. But there are assumptions that give a small probability of why growths appear in the intestines.

1. One of the reasons is inflammation of the mucous membrane. Those. – if there are cracks or wounds on the walls of the mucosa, it is in these places that polyps can appear.
2. Ecological change. Today this is a big problem, because... the environment, for example, 20, 30, 50 years ago was completely different. This affects the body and children may develop diseases that were not encountered in their mothers, fathers, grandparents.
3. Irritating foods can cause illness. Spicy, fatty, low-quality food creates inflammatory processes in the intestines, creating favorable conditions for the development of harmful microbes.
4. The presence of hypodynamics.
5. Abuse of bad habits, in particular strong drinks and smoking.
6. Problems with blood vessels. Any violations (for example, varicose veins or thrombosis) are taken into account here.
7. The presence of diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Genetic predisposition.
9. Improper formation of the intestines in infancy.

Stages, symptoms of polyps in the intestines

All symptoms of intestinal polyps are divided into several stages. Depending on the severity of the disease, the disease will manifest itself in different ways.

Stages	Symptoms
1st stage	The disease is so unpleasant that in the first stages the symptoms do not appear at all. The only method by which tumors can be detected is colonoscopy. If treatment is not started at this stage, the constant movement of processed food in the form of feces will injure the mucous membrane, which will lead to an increase in intestinal injuries. Therefore, the first symptoms will begin to appear when the polyps begin to grow.
2nd stage	The patient will begin to experience constant constipation, which can be relieved either with an enema or through laxatives. Bleeding periodically occurs from the anus. The anus will constantly itch, and an unpleasant sensation of something extra will begin. Periodically, at any time, the anal area will experience uncontrollable convulsive pain. Cracks will begin to appear in the intestines, which will have to be restored with ointments or suppositories. The patient may develop diarrhea. Liquid stool will come out along with pus and blood. Sometimes stool can tear off one or more polyps. They can be seen after a bowel movement. New growths suck out nutrients, so the patient may experience exhaustion, pale skin, or circles under the eyes.
3rd stage	All symptoms develop into a chronic stage. One of the most terrible forms of complications.

Complications

Because Polyps are considered a benign tumor; removing them in the early stages can eliminate the occurrence of complications. But if the disease is neglected, the patient may have... In this case, the most dangerous formations are the adenomatous type. They can develop throughout life, and the patient will not even know that a malignant tumor is slowly progressing inside.

In addition to cancer, neoplasms can develop into:

• chronic types of constipation;
• continuous bleeding;
• obstruction inside the intestines;
• prolonged flatulence;
• exhaustion from anemia;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in either diarrhea or constipation;
• volvulus;
• through damage to the intestinal mucosa;
• intestinal ulcer.

Patients who are at risk with poor heredity or who have had a gastrointestinal disease should be regularly checked in medical institutions.

Why are they dangerous?

Any formation, even the most harmless one, is still considered a disease. And any disease must be treated. Otherwise, the results can be very disastrous. The problem of polyps is twofold.

1. Lack of knowledge does not give the full picture. Those. Doctors have no idea how to fight this disease. All methods involve strict cleansing of foreign bodies and following diets. And classical treatment is based on hypotheses and assumptions.
2. If most diseases make themselves felt in the early stages, then neoplasms can quietly grow inside for a long time. The first stages cannot be diagnosed at all unless special equipment is used.

Expert opinion

Svetlana Arkhipova

Gastroenterologist, site expert

Thus, a person goes to a medical facility only when the polyps begin to actively harm the intestines. But that's not the worst thing. As the tumors grow and damage the walls of blood vessels, they begin to progress, and this can lead to serious consequences.

Diagnostics

It is difficult to identify growths. Often the symptoms are very similar to the development of other diseases. Therefore, some European countries have issued regulations for citizens who have reached the age of forty and for patients with a poor genetic predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease. They must have their stool tested to detect blood inside.

• MRI (CT)– detect the presence of foreign bodies inside the body. But the procedure does not give a 100% result.
• Proctoscope much more reliable in this regard. A camera is inserted into the rectum, with which you can see the polyps on a monitor screen.
• Palpation. The method allows you to detect infested polyps that are located closer to the anus.
• Irrigoscopy detects growths that reach 1 cm. and more.
• - This is the most reliable method. An endoscope is inserted into the intestine, which detects polyps even in the early stages. Additionally, data on histology and cytology are collected.

Treatment methods

The sooner treatment begins, the better. Unfortunately, most polyps have to be removed surgically. But classical treatment methods involve reducing the number of tumors, so that later there is less physical intervention in the body. This applies if the polyps have multiplied. And there were a lot of them.

involves the introduction of a special endoscope into the intestine. The surgeon remotely manipulates the device and, using special forceps at the end, pulls out by the roots all detected polyps. This is a long and painstaking work, but it is considered one of the most effective.

Transanal removal carried out with special scissors (scalpel). But this method is allowed if the neoplasms have deepened no further than 10 cm. The patient is given local anesthesia, the anus is dilated, and all intestinal polyps are excised.

Indicated for patients whose benign formations have begun to develop into a cancerous stage. The rectum is removed through the anus and all polyps in the external environment are removed.

Endoscopic surgery carried out using the same method as Transanal endomicrosurgical excision. The only difference is that the tumor is exposed to electric current and only then pulled out.

Colotomy carried out in extreme cases. To do this, the abdominal cavity is cut. The colon is brought out through an open incision and all growths are cut out.

Some types of diseases associated with the appearance of growths (for example, familial or diffuse polyposis) require only removal of the large intestine.

Expert opinion

Shoshorin Yuri

General practitioner, site expert

Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures to prevent the development and identify symptoms of polyps in the intestines. Timely diagnosis and consultation with a doctor increases the chance of preventing the development of the disease.

Drugs for treatment

Conservative treatment methods are effective only in the initial stages or if the surgeon wants to destroy as many formations as possible. Any means are used for this: ointments, tablets, rectal suppositories, drops, etc. But the most effective so far are suppositories that act directly, through the mucous membrane.

Expert opinion

Shoshorin Yuri

General practitioner, site expert

Drug treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Considering that very little information has been collected about polyps, it is not recommended to use folk remedies.

This method has its contraindications:

• various severe forms of pathologies;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• intolerance to some component of the drug;
• serious condition of the patient.

Suppositories work as follows. The active substance is absorbed into the blood and begins to destroy growths through the mucous membrane. Chistobolin is considered an effective remedy in this case. The active ingredient is hemlock. Other components help reduce pain in the intestines and improve permeability.

They help well in the fight against single polyps. Vegetable and essential oils block the spread of growths and reduce the risk of cancer. The therapeutic effect occurs thanks to cocoa butter and thuja. An extract from the extract of celandine and orange fairy tale complements this bouquet well. Alcohol tinctures (calendula, plantain, celandine, wormwood) are good antiseptics.

Prescribed when complex treatment of polyps is necessary. The hormone prednisolone, heparin and the anesthetic substance lidocaine are successfully taken to relieve painful sensations during bowel movements. These symptoms are usually caused by rectal polyps. The course of treatment is 14 days.

For bleeding, the following medications are prescribed:

• Heparin liniment– used for the death of mucosal cells.
• Hepatrombin- with heavy bleeding.
• Heparoid Zentiva– to reduce inflammatory processes.

Expert opinion

Shoshorin Yuri

General practitioner, site expert

When hemoglobin levels decrease, drugs containing iron are prescribed (Ferlatum, Ferrum Lek, Fenyuls, etc.). But the patient must definitely drink the vitamin complex.

List of permitted and prohibited products

You can eat	Can't eat	Special menu
Light soups	Fatty foods	Cheese is allowed, but in limited quantities
Milk porridge or porridge with water (a small piece of butter is allowed)	Fermentable products (kvass, milk, soybeans, peas, cabbage)	Eggs are okay, but not too many
Boiled meat (any)	Strong drinks	Reduce salt intake
Boiled or pureed vegetables	Tea or coffee
Juices, compotes or jelly	Raw vegetables and fruits
Crackers	Fast food products (fast food, semi-finished products)
Dairy products	Sauces and spices with a strong aroma
	Raw smoked products
	Confectionery
	Bakery

Diet

The diet is prescribed depending on the patient's condition. Diet numbers suggest a course of treatment and compliance with the regimen according to recommended medical standards.

Colon cancer has been a common clinical situation over the past decades. At the same time, cancer risks can arise even in patients with no cancer in the patient’s close relatives. Almost 75% of all causes of cancer are due to intestinal polyps. Unfortunately, intestinal polyps in the early stages of development are discovered by chance when the body is examined for other pathologies. This is the reason for the high risks of malignancy of pathological growths.

Polyps in various parts of the intestine are benign neoplasms that rush into the cavity of the intestinal lumen. When more than one pathological growth develops, intestinal polyposis develops.

The structure of the polyp consists of a base (stroma), a stalk and the body itself. Sometimes polyps do not have a vascular stalk, then the base passes into the body of the polyp.

There are several theories about the occurrence of intestinal polyps, among the common ones:

• Inflammatory;
• Embryonic.

If in the first case the cause is chronic inflammatory processes in the intestinal mucosa, then the second is formed at the stage of intrauterine development.

Polyps usually affect:

• left side of the colon
• sigmoid section,
• rectum.

The disease is rarely accompanied by severe symptoms in the early stages of development and becomes a consequence of a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Important! The risks of malignant degeneration in parts of the colon are much higher, since polyps here are most prone to damage, ulceration and destruction.

Signs of polyps in the intestines in adults

Only as the polyp grows can patients feel the first symptoms of polyps. It is the impossibility of early diagnosis that often leads to serious manifestations of pathology, including the development of oncology.

9 Signs of Intestinal Polyps in Adults:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen (pulling, dull, episodic pain);
2. Discomfort, heaviness and pain during bowel movements;
3. Abundance of mucus in stool;
4. The appearance of blood in the patient’s stool:
5. Abnormal stool (diarrhea along with constipation);
6. Bloating, signs of dyspepsia;
7. The appearance of blood stains on underwear;
8. Weeping discharge, the appearance of diaper rash in the anorectal space;
9. Pain and purulent discharge from the anus due to infection.

The appearance of profuse bleeding may indicate:

• acute dysbacteriosis,
• exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease,
• acute intestinal infections.

The same is indicated by loose stools with atypical impurities. If there is heavy bleeding, call emergency services.

Iron deficiency anemia often develops against the background of minor internal bleeding. A blood test for hemoglobin levels usually indicates low levels, despite the apparent absence of obvious causes.

Bleeding of a neoplasm in the intestine can occur when the growth is damaged:

• torsion of the legs,
• infringement of the sphincters of the anus,
• ulceration due to poisoning with toxic substances.

Here, patients can feel severe pain, characteristic of acute hemorrhoids. How does an intestinal polyp manifest in a child?

Note! Dehydration often develops against the background of diarrhea. This condition is more typical for teenage children.

Polyps can interfere with the normal movement of feces through parts of the colon, which contributes to an increase in internal intoxication.

In this case it appears:

• general malaise,
• weakness,
• decreased ability to work,
• nausea,
• bouts of vomiting.

How polyps appear in different parts of the intestine - the first symptoms of pathology

When pathological growths of mucous membranes appear in various parts of the intestine, characteristic symptoms usually appear:

• Rectum. The growths usually do not appear for years or decades, given the slow growth of polypous structures. As it grows, copious amounts of mucus and bloody discharge begin to be released with feces.
• Sigmoid colon. Polyps in the lower intestine contribute to stool instability. Diarrhea, along with constipation, significantly affects the condition of the mucous membranes. Additionally, bloating, sour belching appears, and during bowel movements there is mucus, blood, and atypical discharge.
• Small intestine. Localization in parts of the small intestine is a rare clinical situation, but is accompanied by dangerous complications in the form of intestinal obstruction, profuse bleeding, intestinal volvulus, and proliferative changes in the mucous structures of the organ.
  In advanced cases, the small intestinal polyp invades other parts of the intestine. At the initial stages, there are attacks of flatulence, cramping pain, nausea and attacks of uncontrollable vomiting.
• Duodenum. Symptoms with such localization often do not manifest any special signs, but as the tumor grows, intestinal obstruction, pain in the peritoneum of unclear localization, ulceration of the polyp body and bleeding may develop.

If the polyps block the intestinal lumens, then a regular retention of the food bolus in the stomach occurs.

Manifestations of delay correspond to symptoms of intestinal obstruction:

• soreness,
• vomiting freshly eaten food,
• splashing in the abdominal area upon auscultation.

Important! It is impossible to reliably determine pathological growths in various parts of the intestine only on the basis of patient complaints and symptomatic manifestations without differential diagnosis.

Diagnostic measures

To reliably determine the diagnosis, it is important to conduct a whole range of examinations, including laboratory, instrumental and endoscopic research methods.

Intestinal polyps are the area of ​​research of proctologists, endoscopists, gastroenterologists and oncologists.

After studying the patient’s complaints and physical examination, the following manipulations are prescribed::

• Rectal palpation of the rectum. Using fingers, the nearest parts of the colon are probed and the possible causes of unusual symptoms (hemorrhoids, inflammation, constipation) are determined.
• X-ray. An important study is irrigoscopy (x-ray using contrast). The method allows you to accurately determine pathological growths, vascular components and their volume. The route of administration of contrast is retrograde, that is, by enema into the rectal lumen. The disadvantage of the method is the inability to determine the smallest polyps.
  If the polyps are located in the high parts of the intestine, then the passage of barium through the intestine is examined. To do this, you need to drink the contrast agent. A few hours later, a series of x-rays are taken.
• Endoscopy. There are two main methods of endoscopic examination of the anorectal space: sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
  The first method allows you to assess the condition of the intestine, the sections of which are located 25 cm higher, take materials for a biopsy, and visually assess the structure of the neoplasm.
  In the second case, the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the intestine over a distance of 1.5 m, take a biopsy sample for histological and cytological examination, and immediately remove the pathological growth.

Additionally, blood, urine, and stool tests are required.

General clinical tests allow:

1. Eliminate the development of inflammation;
2. Assess the condition of the liver, kidneys, and gastric microflora.

Stool tests exclude:

Important! The final diagnosis can be established only by combining all diagnostic research methods, as well as after excluding the development of pathologies with similar symptoms.

More information about intestinal polyps in this video:

Signs of intestinal polyposis appear individually in each patient. The intensity and frequency of symptoms depends on the size of the growth, the age of the patient and the degree of damage to the mucous structures.

You can make an appointment with a doctor directly on our website.

Be healthy and happy!

Intestinal polyps are small benign neoplasms that grow asymptomatically on the inner (mucous) lining of the intestine. Polyps of the large intestine are the most common. This is a fairly common disease, affecting 15-20% of people. The size of polyps is usually less than 1 cm, but can reach several centimeters. They grow alone or in groups. Some look like small bumps, others have a thick or thin stalk with a seal in the shape of a mushroom or a bunch of grapes.

The polyps themselves are benign formations that rarely worsen a person’s well-being. But they can transform into malignant tumors that are difficult to treat. Therefore, when polyps are identified, they are recommended to be removed.

The diagnosis of intestinal polyps can be made to people of any age, gender, or race. It is found somewhat more often in men, and the most typical age of patients is 50 years and older. People of the Negroid race are more prone to the formation of polyps and their malignant degeneration than Caucasians.

Types of polyps

1. adenomatous– the most common, approximately 2/3 of all neoplasms belong to this group. In some cases, these polyps degenerate into cancerous tumors or become malignant, as doctors say. Not all of them are capable of malignancy, but if colon cancer comes from a polyp, then an adenomatous polyp is to blame in 2 out of three cases;
2. gear– depending on their size and location, they have a different likelihood of malignancy. Small polyps located in the lower part of the colon (hyperplastic polyps) rarely develop into cancer. But large, flat (sessile) ones, located in the upper part of the intestine, are most often transformed;
3. inflammatory occur after inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease). Prone to malignant degeneration.

Causes of colon polyps formation

Why cells suddenly begin to turn into atypical ones and form tumors is still not known exactly. Analysis of incidence helped to identify factors that increase the risk of polyp growth:

1. age over 50 years
2. inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
3. smoking
4. alcohol consumption
5. excess weight
6. sedentary lifestyle
7. poorly treatable type 2 diabetes
8. heredity is the most significant factor.

The likelihood of the disease is higher if blood relatives (parents, children, brothers and sisters) have been diagnosed with colon polyps. The number of relatives with this disease also matters. Although sometimes multiple cases of polyposis in a family are not associated with genetic factors.

There is a whole group of genetic diseases that increase the likelihood of developing certain types of tumors (malignant and benign), including intestinal polyps:

• Lynch syndrome is the most common type of hereditary colon cancer. The disease begins with the formation of polyps, which very quickly become malignant;
• familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare pathology, the formation of hundreds and sometimes thousands of polyps in adolescence. Without treatment, the probability of malignant degeneration is 100%;
• Gardner's syndrome (a special case of FAP);
• MYH polyposis is a rare cause of multiple polyps in children;
• with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, dark pigment spots first appear throughout the body, including on the lips, gums and feet; subsequently, multiple polyps grow throughout the gastrointestinal tract;
• serrated polyposis syndrome.

Symptoms

Polyps rarely signal their presence with symptoms. In most patients they are discovered incidentally during a bowel examination.

But in some people, polyps may appear:

• bleeding from the rectum (rectal bleeding);
• change in stool color (black or red-streaked);
• constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a week;
• pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting - with partial blocking of the intestinal lumen by a large polyp;
• iron deficiency anemia, which occurs due to constant intestinal bleeding.

Any of the above symptoms is a sign of a serious problem and is a reason to see a doctor immediately.

Diagnostics

Polyps are usually detected during a routine examination of the large intestine. This is due to the fact that symptoms are not observed or are characteristic of many pathologies: hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel diseases, peptic ulcers. A stool test may show blood; a blood test may show low red blood cell counts. But these indicators are also non-specific. Large polyps are detected by MRI or CT. Both methods are painless, convenient, but do not detect small (less than 1 cm) tumors.

Therefore, if colon polyps are suspected or during routine checks, the patient is prescribed one of two examinations:

• colonoscopy- the most sensitive test, during which the doctor has the opportunity to examine the inner surface of the intestine using a flexible tube with a video camera at the end - an endoscope. It is inserted into the rectum through the anus, and on a large screen you can see the entire surface of the colon. In addition to the video camera, the endoscope is equipped with micro-instruments. Therefore, polyps are often removed directly during the procedure. The doctor can also select a small piece of intestine from a suspicious area and send it for histological diagnosis;
• flexible sigmoidoscopy- a shortened version of colonoscopy, during which only the rectum and partially the sigmoid colon are examined using a flexible tube 35-60 cm long with a video camera - a sigmoidoscope.

Preparation for the procedure

Before colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, it is necessary to carry out preparatory procedures. They cleanse the intestines of feces, making it accessible for thorough examination. To do this you need:

1. Discuss and adjust any medications the patient usually takes with the doctor at least a week before the procedure. The doctor should be informed about existing diseases, especially diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems.
2. The day before the test, you should not eat solid food. You can drink water, tea and coffee without milk or cream, broth. You should refrain from red drinks, the remains of which may be mistaken by the doctor for bleeding. The night before the test you should neither eat nor drink.
3. Taking a laxative (tablets or liquid) according to the regimen suggested by your doctor. As a rule, the medicine is taken the evening before the test, and sometimes also in the morning on the day of the procedure.
4. Cleansing enemas. It is best the night before and a few hours before the procedure.

Treatment

The only effective way to get rid of polyps is their surgical removal. In the vast majority of patients, this procedure (polypectomy) is performed during an examination of the colon. It is very quick and painless. When a polyp is detected, the doctor directs an instrument to it and injects a little liquid into the intestinal wall under the polyp so that the boundaries of the neoplasm become clearly visible. Then a special loop attachment captures the polyp, tightens its leg and cuts it off from the intestinal wall, passing an electric current through the loop.

Large polyps may require surgery. Whenever possible, doctors try to use techniques with minimal intervention – microinvasive laparoscopic surgery. In this case, endoscopes equipped with all the necessary instrument attachments are inserted through small holes in the abdominal wall.

In very rare cases, when there are too many polyps, they are removed along with the affected area of ​​the intestine. This is a complex operation that requires preparation and long recovery.

If the appearance of the polyp (size, shape) causes the doctor to suspect a possible malignant degeneration, then a small “tattoo” is made at the site of its former attachment. Such marks help during subsequent screening studies to find areas that were suspicious in the past and carefully examine them.

All removed tissues are sent for histological examination. Based on the structure of the tissue, a histologist can determine the type of polyp and identify the initial signs of malignancy. This information will allow the attending physician to determine the prognosis and schedule of preventive examinations.

Complications

The most dangerous complication of polyps is malignant degeneration of polyp cells. The likelihood of colon cancer depends on:

• size (the larger the polyp, the greater the risk);
• type of neoplasm (adenomatous and serrated polyps are more likely to degenerate);
• time of detection (the earlier polyps are detected, the less the threat).

Fortunately, polyps grow slowly. In most cases, colon cancer begins to develop 10 years after the formation of a small polyp. The exception is hereditary diseases, in which malignancy occurs much faster.

Preventive measures

Timely detection is an excellent guarantee of a favorable treatment outcome and the absence of complications in the future. Since most often there are no complaints or signs of these neoplasms, all people over 50 years of age are recommended to undergo regular examinations (every 3-5 years). Representatives of the Negroid race should begin screening a little earlier due to the greater likelihood of malignant degeneration. People with an established diagnosis of a genetic variant of polyps or suspected of having them are tested more often (every 1-2 years) and from an earlier age.

Quitting overeating, smoking, alcohol abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle is a reasonable step that somewhat reduces the likelihood of polyps. Some evidence suggests that a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium and fiber also reduces the risk of disease.

People who have close relatives with colon polyps are advised to get tested for genetic diseases.

Forecast

Polyps identified at an early stage are easy to treat, and the risk of their malignancy is minimal. They can grow back, so patients should be examined regularly after removal.

People with multiple polyps have a cautious and poor prognosis.

Gastroenterologists do not associate this term with the inhabitants of the deep sea. In medical practice, this disease occurs in 30-40% of cases in people over fifty years of age, much less often in childhood. Men get sick 2-3 times more often than women.

In the wall of any hollow organ there is a mucous membrane, the cells of which can grow focally and intensively with the formation of a growth on the stalk - a polyp.

Such growths are benign tumors in nature, but some of them have a tendency to turn into cancer and become malignant. This is their cunning. That is why they are considered precancerous diseases.

Of all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, areas of the large intestine (colon and rectum) are favorite places for the growth of these formations. They can form single, or they can be multiple and spread in very large numbers; this condition is called polyposis.

This pathology is dangerous due to the high frequency of transformation into oncology - from 70 to 100% of all identified cases. This is a much higher percentage of malignancy than for single polyps. This pathology can be congenital, familial: it often affects several members of the same family (true form), or may be a consequence of other changes in the body (secondary form).

Single formations often reach 0.3-2 cm in diameter, but there are also single giants of 3-5 cm or more. They have a thin stalk or a wide base, on which they sag into the lumen of the organ.

Types of single polyps:

• Juvenile

They are more common in childhood and grow in the large intestine. Very rarely they degenerate into oncological structures.

They are often similar in appearance to a bunch of grapes, smooth, round, shiny, the color of the surface is more saturated compared to the surrounding tissues.

• Hyperplastic

A favorable form in prognostic terms almost never degenerates into a “bad disease,” as cancer is popularly called. They are not large, usually within 2-5 mm, the structure remains correct.

• Adenomatous

They occur most often in patients and represent round-shaped growths of glandular tissue on a stalk.

If such a growth reaches a size of 2 cm or more, then the unfavorable prognosis is 50% - without medical intervention, there is a risk of cancer in every second patient.

The larger the size, the worse the prognosis. This slogan is relevant for this form: the larger the formation reaches centimeters in diameter, the higher the risk of malignancy.

• Villous

The sigmoid colon and rectum are favorite places for this form. The formations have a velvety surface that forms thin villi, some of them have a creeping structure and can occupy a large area of ​​the inner wall of the organ.

Without treatment, 90% of them develop into cancer. Occurs in 5% of all intestinal neoplasms.

Why polyps appear in the intestines - the main reasons

The following factors contribute to the development of this pathology:

1) heredity

Plays a big role in the occurrence of multiple growths - primary polyposis, as well as single formations. The hereditary factor is the most significant of the others. If close relatives in a family have such a pathology, all other family members are at risk for its occurrence.

2) chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

They are prerequisites and fertile ground for polyp formation. Inflammation gives a signal to cells to regenerate and renew; cell division can get out of control, especially during long-term, sluggish processes. Chronic enteritis, proctosigmoiditis, UC are provoking risk factors.

3) age

People of mature age (50 years and older) are mainly susceptible to the pathological process, children and young people - to a lesser extent.

4) smoking

Harmful components of tobacco smoke, regularly entering the body over a long period of time, negatively affect young, dividing cells, contributing to their excessive growth of the mucous membrane.

5) overweight

6) lack of fiber

7) frequent consumption of red meat, smoked and fried foods

8) low physical activity

9) insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone that causes tissue to grow. Resistance, i.e. insufficient sensitivity of receptors to this hormone can be provoked by diabetes mellitus, or by excessive consumption of refined foods high in carbohydrates that are instantly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (high-grade wheat flour, refined white rice and vegetable oil, refined sugar).

In response to low insulin sensitivity, the body tries to throw out more and more of it, and this condition leads to excessive tissue growth, including tumor-like growths.

Most often, excessive growth of the inner wall of the large intestine with the formation of intestinal growths is observed in people older than middle age (with the exception of familial cases of the disease, which often affect young people), who are overweight, who live in cities, who are addicted to eating large amounts of high-calorie, fatty foods with high percentage of animal fat and low content of plant fibers.

Symptoms and treatment of polyps in the intestines

This disease does not have clear specific clinical signs that would allow a diagnosis to be made on their basis alone.

Moreover, often a benign tumor does not reveal itself at all, and a person does not even suspect that it exists in the wall of his intestines. The process can proceed hidden for a long time, for many years, and manifest itself during malignancy or trauma.

The clinical picture may be completely absent or nonspecific, and depend on the size of the formation, quantity, location, shape and structure.

Signs of polyps in the intestines may include the following:

• discharge of blood with feces, which can be bright, scarlet in the form of streaks, or dark in color. The scarlet color indicates a low location of the growth in the rectum.

Blood appears as a result of mechanical trauma to the overgrown tissue during the passage of feces. Also, this syndrome may indicate the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

If blood or blood streaks appear in the stool, you must consult a doctor!

• mucus in feces
• cramping pain

Sometimes patients are worried if the polyp is of impressive size. The pain is cramping, spasm-like.

• itching, sensation of a foreign body in the rectal area

When tumor-like growths are located in the rectal areas in close proximity to the anus, these symptoms occur.

• flatulence

In rare cases, the only symptom may be. Impaired movement of food contents through the gastrointestinal tract due to the proliferation of the mucous membrane can lead to its stagnation, fermentation with the release of CO2, and the proliferation of pathogenic flora.

• constipation

Large tumor-like growths can interfere with the natural movement of feces and disrupt motor-evacuation function. The result is stool retention.

• causeless defecation disorder in the form of alternating diarrhea and constipation

Patients cannot associate these phenomena with dietary errors or infectious and inflammatory lesions. Diarrhea can be quite long-lasting, up to 1 week or more.

• weakness, dizziness, fatigue

Symptoms of general asthenia of the body can appear against the background of prolonged bleeding during bowel movements, and anemic syndrome develops. Patients often note pale skin, decreased appetite, brittle nails and hair, and rapid heartbeat.

Any changes occurring in the body from the gastrointestinal tract and signs that appear that are uncharacteristic of normal digestion and bowel movements should always be treated with caution. Do not let them take their course, but consult a doctor in a timely manner.

If the disease is recognized in time, it is possible with timely treatment to prevent complications in the form of malignancy. But before treating the disease, it must be diagnosed.

Diagnostic methods

The gold standard for diagnosis is endoscopic examination methods - the “eyes” of the surgeon, capable of examining the inner lining of the intestine, using special devices that resemble hoses with a camera, connected to video monitors, where the image is displayed.

These methods include:

• colonoscopy

Method of endoscopic examination of the colon. This method allows you to visualize the internal surface of the organ and any changes occurring in it.

In addition to the diagnostic role, the method also has a therapeutic role: when performing it, the doctor can remove a polyp, or take a section of its tissue for examination - a biopsy. It will allow us to establish the structure of the tissue, its origin, and differentiate its benignity or malignancy.

• recteromanoscopy

Another common way to diagnose the part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is located within 30-35 cm from the anus, is the rectum and the final part of the sigmoid. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to view large areas of the gastrointestinal tract.

X-ray methods with the introduction of contrast agents:

• irrigoscopy

With this method, a barium suspension is injected into the intestines using an enema, and then a series of x-rays are taken. In the image you can see the colored outlines of polypous formations larger than 10 mm. It is not always possible to identify smaller ones.

• Magnetic resonance imaging

The method can be indicated for patients who, for one reason or another, cannot undergo endoscopic diagnosis.

• digital rectal examination

The most accessible way to identify polyps in the intestines can be performed during a surgical examination and does not require lengthy and special preparation from the patient.

By palpation, a doctor can palpate and identify rectal formations located at a distance of 8-10 cm from the anus, evaluate their number, shape, size, size, consistency, and understand how they are fixed to the wall (do they have a pedicle or are located on a wide base).

If this method reveals any rectal deviations from the norm, the doctor will definitely supplement the diagnosis with extended studies that allow examination of a more extensive intestinal area.

• stool occult blood test

Sometimes a symptom such as blood in the stool can be veiled and not visually noticeable. In order not to miss this symptom, there is a diagnostic method that detects microscopically traces of blood in feces.

This method allows you to diagnose pathology in its early stages. This laboratory test is recommended as screening for all patients over 50 years of age, as it allows the identification of various colorectal pathologies.

Normally, the conclusion of this analysis should include a “negative” entry. If the result is positive, this means the presence of certain problems with the intestines and the patient must be prescribed more advanced examination methods.

How to treat polyps in the intestines

If the settled “uninvited guest” is identified, the medical tactics in this case are the same - surgical removal!

Observing and treating conservatively is dangerous, since no doctor can guarantee that this formation will not mutate into malignant.

If a polyp is detected, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible by surgical removal.

When there is a possibility of degeneration into a malignant tumor:

• if polyposis is detected
• formation is villous, adenomatous (degeneration within 10 years in 90% of cases)
• diameter more than 1 cm
• family history of colorectal cancer or polyposis

How to remove polyps in the intestines

If earlier in medicine they were of the opinion that it was necessary to remove formations measuring 1 cm or larger, modern surgeons are of the same opinion about the need for surgical removal of polyps in the intestines of any size, even very small ones.

This tactic is quite understandable: it is better to immediately prevent the occurrence of cancer than to calculate the risk of degeneration and observe. In addition, not all patients have a high degree of consciousness and undergo annual endoscopy to monitor the dynamics.

Removal in some cases is possible during endoscopic examination if the growth is small in size and conveniently located. In such cases, the doctor can remove the formation by electrocoagulation through a rectero- or colonoscope.

During this intervention, the pedicle or base of the growth is compressed and crossed, the vessels damaged during the manipulation are immediately coagulated, due to which bleeding from the wound site does not develop.

Only those structures in which malignancy has not occurred can be removed in this way.

If there are many tumor-like growths, or degeneration is diagnosed based on the results of a biopsy, a section of the intestine is removed - resection, excision of the affected wall, or other radical interventions, the level and extent of which must be assessed by the surgeon.

Tactics after surgery

The surgical intervention performed does not mean that the patient can relax and forget about intestinal problems forever.

This means that it is necessary to regularly undergo preventive examinations in order to avoid the appearance of new growths, because there is already a tendency for their formation in this organism.

After surgery, all patients are followed up with a surgeon at their place of residence. It is necessary to undergo a colonoscopy annually, and for certain indications even more often, undergo general clinical tests and carefully monitor your well-being.

How to prevent the risk of disease

All persons over 50 years of age are recommended to undergo a colonoscopy once a year for preventive purposes, even if nothing bothers them.

If one of the patient’s relatives suffers from this pathology, or there have been cases of colorectal cancer in the family, then annual preventive endoscopy is recommended to begin 10 years earlier - from the age of forty.

The patient has the power to eliminate risk factors: stop smoking, eat foods enriched with fiber and dietary fiber, lose weight, avoid physical inactivity, and do not abuse refined foods and red meat.

A responsible attitude towards your health, awareness of the existing problem and a sensitive attitude to well-being are the keys to successful disease prevention.