Polyps in the intestines and in the stomach look like small balloons. They are formed as a result of the bulging of the mucosa towards the intestinal lumen and may be asymptomatic for a long time. Can intestinal polyps and stomach polyps be dangerous? Yes, you usually have to have them surgically removed as some polyps in your gut have the ability to turn into cancer.

Polypsare usually benign, non-cancerous lesions. Some systematically grow, others arise and disappear over time. However, they must not be underestimated as some types of polyps tend to malignant (turn into cancer).

Types of polyps in the intestines

  • coded;
  • not primitive.

The most common pedunculated polyp resembles a button on the leg. A polyp without a stalk is a lumpy growth on the surface of the mucosa. Both types of polyps can develop not only in the gut, but almost anywhere in our body.

Polyps in the large intestine

Polyps located in the large intestine often do not cause any discomfort, although sometimes they are the cause of rectal bleeding. But pain and cramps in the lower abdomen can also be a non-specific symptom of intestinal polyps. Women compare them to the pain that occurs before menstruation, and men to those experienced with cystitis.

Polyps in the large intestine are detected incidentally on X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract, but usually during colonoscopy. Since they become malignant quite easily, they should be removed. If they are not too big, it can be done at the time of the colonoscopy. Larger ones must be surgically removed. Polyps removed from the intestine are always subjected to histopathological examination to check whether they contain cancerous cells. A person who has had polyps removed from the large intestine should have a colonoscopy and follow a diet every 2-3 years - avoid preservatives, choose fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water and limit red meat consumption.

Worth knowing

Familial polyposis of the large intestine

Familial polyposis of the large intestine (FAP) is an inherited disease characterized by multiple polyps in the large intestine. If they are not healed, they will transformin cancer, and the risk is almost 100%. Therefore, in families with this type of polyposis, it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations (usually sigmoscopy) in its youngest members (from the age of 10) once a year.

Polyps in the stomach

Polyps in the stomach are detected during gastroscopy. They are rarely the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting or abdominal pain. They thrive in people who avoid vegetables and fruits and eat fatty foods. Polyps are accompanied by inflammation, gastric ulcer disease and infection with the bacteriumHelicobacter pylori.They are surgically removed because they tend to turn into cancer.

Polyps in the small intestine

There are two types of polyps in the small intestine - tree polyps and tubular polyps. Cancer can develop from the former. Small intestine polyps often coexist with colorectal cancer. The symptoms of the disease are gastrointestinal bleeding and pain caused by a blockage in the intestine. Polyps growing in the duodenum block the outflow of bile from the bile ducts, leading to jaundice. They are surgically removed.

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