A group of cells that grows inside the area of the intestines known as the sigmoid colon is known as a sigmoid polyp. It is often simply called a colon polyp. A sigmoid polyp is a matter of some concern because it can – but doesn’t always – become malignant. It is described by doctors as a precancerous condition.
Despite the fact that a percentage of sigmoid polyps never become malignant, doctors choose to remove them if they are diagnosed. They can be taken out when you’re having a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure where a a specialist in gastroenterology can look at the lining of the colon to ensure that there’s no cancer or other colon disorders. He or she will use a device called a colonoscope. This device is a a long tube with a very small video camera attached to the front, giving the doctor a chance to see if there are any indications of sigmoid polyps or cancer in the walls and the inside lining of the colon.
There are different types of sigmoid polyps. One type is small and flat. These are known as sedentary colon polyps. Polyps they can look more like a mushroom with a stem, and is known as a pedunculated colon polyp.
Once again, a sigmoid polyp may be – as small as a pea. Others are quite big and can be the size of a golf ball. Those that are smaller and mushroom-shaped are less likely to become malignant than the ones that that are flat and large. Typically, the greater the size sigmoid polyp, the greater the chance that it will become cancerous someday.
Several well-established risk factors have been associated with sigmoid polyps, which include
* Growing older – they seem much more frequently after age fifty
* Being overweight
* Use of cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
* A diet that includes a lot of fatty foods
* Factors involving heredity – if a lot of your relatives have had sigmoid polyps, you’re more likely to get them too
Generally, you don’t know when you have colon polyps. This is why your doctor is likely to recommend a colonoscopy.
It is possible to have signs when you have large colon polypss, including
* Blood in bowel movements
* Bowel movements that have narrower stools than usual
* Pain during bowl movement
* Changes in bowel habits with more constipation or diarrhea than usual
Sigmoid polyps that are diagnosed early can generally be removed safely and altogether. The initial step is to ascertain whether a mass is cancerous or not. Your surgeon may perhaps take a sample in the course of a colonoscopy and have it analyzed.
There is no way to prevent sigmoid polyps from developing. But you can safely decrease your risk with lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
Get some exercise and eat better food (chiefly high fiber types) decidedly help. Ensure you get enough calcium because it helps protect you against cancer. Broccoli, kale and canned salmon are great sources of calcium. Vitamin D also appears to cut down your risk.
If you smoke, stop. If you consume excessive alcohol, cut back.
A sigmoid polyp doesn’t need to alarm you. The main thing is to ascertain if you have colon polyps or not, and to have them taken out if you do.
For additional, indepth insights on colon polyps and related topics, click on sigmoid polyps and colonoscopies.
Tags: large sigmoid polyps
