A colon polyp is a growth on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Polyps in the colon arise from uncontrolled multiplication of cells leading to growth of tissue. This can occur due to mutation in the genes of the cells. A polyp can vary in size from few millimeters to several centimeters. Polyps look like mushrooms and can have a variety of shapes. They can flat, slightly raised, or have a stalk.

Essentially there are two types of polyps. Hyperplastic polyps which are not pre-cancerous and adenoma type of polyps which are pre-cancerous. The type of the polyp can be determined only after its removal.

Pre-cancerous or adenoma type of polyps may continue to grow and once they start invading the surrounding tissues it is considered cancerous. It takes approximately 10 years for a small polyp to develop into cancer. Only 5-10% of all polyps will become cancerous. Larger polyps are more likely to become cancer.

Polyps are found in about 30% of the adult population over the age of 45. Men and women of all ethnicities are at risk of developing colon polyps.Many factors including diet, lifestyle, older age, and genetics increases the risk for polyps. Important factors predisposing to colorectal polyps and cancer include:

• – Smoking
• – Excess alcohol ingestion
• – Lack of exercise
• – Being overweight
• – Eating processed foods and too much red meat
• – Personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• – Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Almost 2 million cases are diagnosed every year. It is the second most common cause of death due to cancer, leading to almost 1 million deaths per year. It is estimated that the incidence of colon cancer will increase by almost 50% in the next 20 years. Most of this increase is expected to occur in countries transitioning to the developed world and this includes large parts of Asia and Middle East.

Most colon polyps and early colorectal cancer do not have any symptoms, which is why screening is recommended. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• – Blood in the stools
• – Unexplained anemia or weight loss.
• – Change in normal bowel movement pattern.

Ninety percent of all colon cancers start as polyps. Therefore, the best way to prevent colon cancer is to look for precancerous polyps inside the colon and remove them before they progress to cancer. Colorectal cancer screening tests are designed to find precancerous polyps. Screening also detects cancers at an earlier stage when complete cure may be possible. Screening has been shown to prevent up to 70% of colon cancers.

Screening involves direct visualization of the inner lining of the colon to detect polyps. This can be done either by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Non-invasive techniques such as virtual colonoscopy using a CT scan can also visualize the colon lining. Other colon cancer screening tests involve stool analysis for presence of occult blood which may indirectly suggest the presence of colon polyps. Screening is recommended starting at the age of 45.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of the large intestine, which includes the entire colon, rectum and anus. It is a type of endoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera at one end (colonoscope) is inserted into your body. The colonoscope passes through your anus and rectum into your colon. This is the most accurate way to detect and remove polyps. Colonoscopy requires prior bowel cleansing. Moderate to deep sedation is required for the procedure to avoid discomfort and pain. A colonoscopy is recommended once every 10 years starting at the age of 45.

While a colonoscopy takes a thorough look at the whole of the colon, a sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and the lower third of the colon. Since 80% of all precancerous polyps are found in the rectum and lower third of the colon, a sigmoidoscopy is a good alternative to colonoscopy for cancer screening. A sigmoidoscopy does not require elaborate bowel cleansing and can be performed without sedation hence making the procedure brief and easier. For those opting for sigmoidoscopy, it should be done once every 5 years and should ideally be combined with the annual stool occult blood test.

Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography uses a CT scan to gather cross-sectional images of your abdomen followed by 3-D reconstruction of the colon. It can detect polyps larger than 5 mm. It is less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy. However, once a polyp is detected, a colonoscopy is needed to remove the polyp. A virtual colonoscopy is recommended once in 5 years for colon cancer screening.

Polyps and colorectal cancers often bleed a small amount which may not be visible to the naked eye. The stool occult blood test is recommended to detect tiny amounts of blood in stool samples. A positive stool occult blood test does not always mean presence of a polyp or cancer. Ulcers, inflammation in the gut and even haemorrhoids (piles) can cause a positive test result. A stool occult blood test is recommended once a year after the age of 45 years. A colonoscopy is recommended in case the stool occult blood test is positive.

Cells from polyps and cancers are shed in the stool. The stool DNA test looks for mutations in the DNA of these cells. The stool DNA test targets multiple DNA markers to achieve high detection rates. Also, because DNA markers may be present in only trace quantities in stool, very sensitive laboratory methods are used to detect the markers. The stool DNA test demonstrates high detection rates of early-stage colon cancer. This test is recommended once every two years. A colonoscopy is recommended in case the stool DNA test is positive.

Polyps can be easily removed during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy using a technique called snare polypectomy. Larger and complex polyps require advanced techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

A family history of colon cancer means that you have an immediate family member (or multiple other family members) who have had colorectal cancer. As many as 1 in 3 people who develop colorectal cancer have a family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer. For those with a strong family history, a colonoscopy should be repeated at least every five years.  Colonoscopy screening should begin at 40 years or 10 years earlier than the earliest case of colon cancer in the family.

It is possible to reduce the risk of colon cancer by lifestyle modifications. These include:

• – Avoiding excess alcohol.
• – Quitting smoking and tobacco.
• – Losing any extra weight to normalize your BMI.
• – Regular exercise, about 30 minutes a day.
• – Having 3-5 servings of fruits &vegetables daily.
• – Avoiding fatty foods, processed foods and red meat in excess.
• – Considering screening for colon polyps by one of the standard screening methods starting at the age of 45 years