Polyps in the colon are generally benign, but can still be dangerous because a small percentage develop into a malignant condition, colon cancer. It is annoying that many people walk around with polyps in their intestines without knowing about it. Once complaints occur, it is sometimes already too late because further growth and metastasis have already occurred. If polyps are discovered in the intestines, they are usually removed for examination and to prevent them from developing into a malignant tumor in the future.

What is an intestinal polyp?

The inside of the intestines are lined with mucous membrane. Sometimes there is an overgrowth of the mucous membrane, causing a bulge in the mucous membrane, a polyp. Such a polyp can be only a millimeter in size, but can also grow to several centimeters. The larger the polyp, the sooner complaints will occur. Multiple polyps are often found in the intestines upon examination. Polyps mainly occur in people over the age of 50, 5 to 20% of fifty-year-olds walk around with intestinal polyps, often without knowing it.

Symptoms that may indicate having intestinal polyps

• Change in bowel movements. People generally have a fixed bowel movement pattern, one person has to go to the toilet every day to defecate while another only has the urge twice a week. Both patterns are very normal, but it becomes disturbing when an established pattern changes completely. Further research is needed.
• Abdominal complaints that last longer than a few days. If you have long-term abdominal complaints that are not related to a changed diet, it is best to visit your doctor. After investigation, he/she will be able to determine that further investigation is necessary.
• Blood in the stool. Blood in the stool is always reason for further investigation. However, it may also be the case that there is blood in the stool due to hemorrhoids, which is therefore a harmless cause.
• Weight loss. Weight loss that occurs without any apparent reason is reason for further investigation.

Possible causes of intestinal polyps

It has not yet been 100% proven that a certain lifestyle influences the development of polyps or colon cancer, but there are indications that it can have an influence. A healthy lifestyle is already recommended for health. Possible causes of the development of polyps can be:

• Age. Over the age of 50 you are more likely to develop polyps.
• Drinking too much alcohol and/or smoking. Alcohol use and/or smoking can have a negative effect on the intestinal mucosa and cause problems.
• Consuming a lot of red meat and animal fats and little dietary fiber can possibly be a cause of intestinal problems.
• Being overweight and having little exercise increases the risk of developing intestinal problems.
• Genetic predisposition. Hereditary conditions that can cause polyps run in some families. In this case, it is wise to have everyone in the family examined so that preventive action can be taken.

Treatment of intestinal polyps

Intestinal polyps can often be removed via the endoscope. However, if large or flat polyps are found or polyps that have partially grown into the intestinal wall, surgical intervention is required. Removed polyps are always sent for further examination.

Post-treatment

If polyps have ever been removed, you will be regularly checked for the development of any new polyps. How often checks will take place is agreed by the treating physician. Anyone who has ever had polyps unfortunately has an extra chance of them coming back, hence this extra check.

National screening for colon cancer

From 2013, Dutch people between the ages of 55 and 75 will be called upon to hand in stool every other year. The stool is examined for the presence of traces of blood. In this way, diseases in the gastrointestinal tract can be detected earlier.

read more

• Colon cancer: Complaints, diagnosis, treatment
• Health well-being: tips
• Healthy digestion: tips
• Alcohol use: facts and figures
• Alcohol consumption: How much is still healthy?