What Are the Symptoms of Colon Polyps?
Most cases of colon polyps usually have no signs or symptoms. The condition is mostly discovered during routine tests or tests for other conditions. In some cases, your doctor may advise older adults and people with risk factors for colon polyps to have regular screening. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. If your doctor detects the polyps early, there is a better chance of completely removing the growths without any complications.
In cases where colon polyps present with symptoms, you may experience the following:
- Bleeding from the rectum: This is the most common symptom of colon polyps. However, it can occur as a symptom of other conditions, such as minor tears in the anus or hemorrhoids.
- Abdominal pain: Some polyps are big enough to partially block the bowel and cause abdominal pain and cramps.
- A change in the color of stools: Mild polyp bleeding can cause red stripes in the stool. Heavy bleeding makes the stool appear black. However, other factors may also change the color of the stool, such as supplements, medicines, and foods.
- Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency occurs when your polyp bleeds gradually over time. Anemia may result in weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, fainting, or light-headedness.
- Any bowel changes that last longer than one week, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Colon polyp can be a genetic condition or may occur during your lifetime. The exact cause of colon polyps is unknown. However, various studies have linked the appearance to the following lifestyle factors:
- Obesity [1]
- Eating lots of red meat
- Not eating enough fiber
- A high-fat diet
- Smoking cigarettes
Some cases of colon polyps occur due to genetic factors which cause the cells of the colon to multiply more than they should. Colon polyps occur when colon cells multiply uncontrollably. Colorectal polyps occur when uncontrollable multiplication of cells occur in the rectum.
You are more likely to develop colon polyps if you have the following inherited conditions:
- Gardner syndrome [2]
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome [3]
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) [4]
People with these conditions are more likely to develop cancer in several organs, such as the colon and small intestine.