Colon Polyps Research Paper

Colon cancer is a condition in which polyps form in the lining of the colon (large intestine).

Medicare covers this test beginning at age 50 or older (no co-insurance, co-pay or Part B deductible) when it is done for screening only. In some cases this screening method begins as a screening tool and turns into a diagnostic measure. If the health care provider performing the test identifies any polyps or cancerous lesions that require removal and biopsy, the individual will be charged co-insurance or co-pay for the diagnostic testing (ACS, 2017 ). If a precancerous polyp or colorectal cancer is found, a colonoscopy would be required to visualize the entire colon to detect other polyps or cancer (ACS, 2017). The USPSTF (2016) found the benefit of this testing is less beneficial when it is done alone compared to when it is combined with an annual FIT. The availability of flexible sigmoidoscopies has declined in the United States (USPSTF, 2016).

While everyone should begin obtaining regular colonoscopies once they reach the age of 50 (or earlier if there is a history of colon problems in the family), you may need one at a much younger age if your doctor suspects you may have a colon disease, such as ulcerative colitis. If you are experiencing any of the signs of ulcerative colitis, then a colonoscopy is an important part of obtaining an official diagnosis, so you can begin treatment to help control this chronic disease. Read on to find out what to expect when your doctor suspects you have ulcerative colitis.

ImageThis histological view is showing an elevation in the number of cells and glands from the mucosa in comparison to a normal person’s colonic mucosa per unit area. However, the cells seem to remain at the site of origin of proliferation (well circumscribed) without any evidence of metastasis suggesting that the tumour is still in its benign form such as the FAP.

Sorry to say, some colon cancers might be present without any signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to have regular colon screenings or (examinations) to detect these problems early. The best screening evaluation is a colonoscopy. On the other hand, most colon cancers are connected with signs or symptoms. One of the early signs of colon cancer is bleeding. Most of the time , tumors often bleed only small amounts, off and on, so that evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool, which is called a fecal occult blood test. Other signs and symptoms include:

The annual tests and polyp removals take time and money. There is also a constant fear that one of the polyps may be missed and turn into cancer. Exercise can help keep your stress level down. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 6,850 – 31,250 people will get FAP. A child who has a parent with the mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting FAP since it is a dominant disorder. This is definitely a negative mutation as it increases your chances of getting cancer in your lifetime. Many people die from cancer each year. If you ever find out you have numerous colon growths, be sure to have them checked out so see if you have Familial Adenomatous

Now, let us discuss the diagnosis more in depth. A polyp of the colon is a growth of the inner lining of the colon, this growth protrudes into the colon tube. Polyps aren’t cancerous, however, some types of cancers can start in polyps. Polyps are quite common, approximately 30% of people over the age of 60 have one, or more. Genetic factors and environment play a major part in the development of a polyp, such as tobacco use, obesity and eating a high-fat diet.

Most of the time, nasal polyps are small and will not cause any issues. However, larger nasal polyps can lead to a large array of problems. If you suspect that you might have developed nasal polyps, you should make an appointment with your doctor. They will use a tool called a nasal endoscope to determine if you have nasal polyps. If you have a severe case of nasal polyps, your doctor might decide to do a biopsy because in rare instances, these polyps could be

Severe Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or Classical FAP is characterized by the formation of over 100 adenomas in the rectum and colon. (Ellis, 2008). Individuals with this form of the genetic disease will experience an earlier occurrence of tumors. According to Ellis (2008), adenomatous polyps are present in 15% of FAP individuals by the age of 10 years old, 50% by the age of 15 years old, and 75% by the age of 20 years old. Individuals who are aware of their APC gene mutation, should begin colonoscopy screenings as early as possible, preferably beginning at age 15. Since this disease is autosomal dominant, individuals who have a family history of FAP would need get tested for the APC mutation through blood samples, and then would proceed with colonoscopy screenings. Unfortunately, individuals with the severe or classical type of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis will almost 100% develop colorectal malignancy if left untreated by the age of 39. (Ellis, 2008). Ellis (2008) also presented that 7% of individuals would develop colorectal cancer by the age of 21. Individuals who experience severe FAP are at an increased risk of developing extra-colonic attributes such as, retinal hyperpigmentation, desmoid tumors, and even thyroid tumors. Retinal Hyperpigmentation or CHRPE (congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium) has be found to be associated

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic disease that can be inherited. If a person has FAP, they are likely to get colorectal cancer. If FAP is not treated, there is about a 100% chance you will receive colorectal cancer. FAP produces growths with mucus on the inside walls of the colon and rectum. The growths are called polyps. You can get between 100 and 1000 polyps in just 10 years. The genetic test that they run for FAP is a blood screening test for the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. The blood test is for checking for a mutation in the APC gene. If the results are positive, closely related family members should be tested too. You should also be tested if colon cancer is hereditary, or if you have a history of more than

It is only when a polyp is allowed to grow that there is an increased risk of it turning cancerous and of the malignancy spreading to the surrounding tissue and eventually to the other organs. If the polyp is diagnosed while it is benign, a simple surgery is all it takes to prevent colon

A CT colonography also called a virtual colonoscopy takes images of the entire colon for health care providers to analyze for any signs of polyps or cancer (CDC. 2017). This testing often times involves a double contrast barium enema prior to the imaging. A full bowel prep is required before testing and no sedation is used during the test (ACS, 2017). It is recommended to have this done every two years for those who are 50 years or older at higher risk and every four years for those who are 50 years or older at average risk (ACS, 2017). If polyps or cancer is found further action is required such as a colonoscopy or surgical procedure to remove the lesion or polyp.

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer in UK amongst both men and women (Office of National Statistics available at www.ons.gov.uk) while globally its second most common cancer amongst women (Globocan-2012, estimated cancer incidence, mortality & prevalence worldwide 2012). Colorectal cancer incidence is mostly age related with chances of developing increases significantly after 50 years of age. However, small percentage of patients does develop colorectal cancer due to genetic link. Other risk factor includes gender, alcohol, food intake, smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Prevention includes regular checkups, if found early enough “survival rate is 90%”, however only 4 out of 10 people find colonic cancer in this stage due to lack of regular checkups. Prevention also includes consuming the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and vitamins high in calcium and vitamin D. Risk factors include drinking, smoking, obesity, low activity, and a history of polyps.

So why use colonoscopies? Surely there are other ways of detection. There are indeed other less evasive procedures such as a barium enema and computed tomography colonography (CTC). However, the main advantage of colonoscopy verses other detection methods is the ability to immediately remove early cancer during the procedure, in real time, as opposed to having a follow-up appointment to do so. So how often is removal of these masses