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.