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LARGE-INTESTINE POLYP

General Information

DEFINITION--A growth shaped like a grape on a stalk or lying flat against the inner lining of the large intestine. Polyps occur singly or in groups.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Large intestine, most often in the rectum and sigmoid colon.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults of both sexes.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • No symptoms (usually).
  • Rectal bleeding (sometimes).
  • Mucus discharge from the rectum (sometimes).
  • Cramps or abdominal pain.

CAUSES--Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Family history of intestinal polyps.

HOW TO PREVENT--If you have had polyps in the past, you should have regular sigmoidoscopic (See Glossary) examinations--at least once a year or more, depending on your doctor's recommendation.


What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

  • Your own observation of symptoms.
  • Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
  • Laboratory studies of blood and stool.
  • Sigmoidoscopy; colonoscopy (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

  • Doctor's treatment.
  • Surgery to remove a polyp is usually done with insertion of a proctoscope or sigmoidoscope in the anus. Polyps are snipped off or destroyed by electric cauterization. If a pathologist's report indicates the polyp is malignant, total excision of the polyp and surrounding tissue is necessary.
  • For multiple polyps, a portion of the colon may be removed through an abdominal incision (see Laparotomy in Surgery section).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Malignant change in about 1% of polyps.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with surgery, although polyps may recur.


How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Follow your doctor's instructions for self-care after any surgical procedure.

MEDICATION--Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--Eat a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat (see both in Appendix).


Call Your Doctor If

  • You have bleeding or mucus discharge from the rectum.
  • Other members of your family have polyps or colorectal cancer. You should have periodic examinations.
  • The following occurs after surgery: Increased rectal bleeding. Fever, chills or aches. This may indicate an infection at the surgical site.
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