Colon Polyps Specialist

What are colon polyps?

Colon polyps are growths found on the lining of your large intestines. You can develop a colon polyp at any time, but they’re more common in people aged 50 and older. 

You may be at greater risk of developing the growths if you’re a smoker, you’re overweight, or you have a family history of colon polyps.

What are the types of colon polyps?

Colon polyps are either non-neoplastic (noncancerous) or neoplastic (cancerous). 

Non-neoplastic colon polyps include:

• Hyperplastic polyps
• Inflammatory polyps
• Hamartomatous polyps 

Adenomas and serrated types of polyps are neoplastic colon polyps. Typically, polyps that are large are more likely to be cancerous. 

What are signs and symptoms of colon polyps?

Colon polyps rarely cause symptoms. In most cases, colon polyps are found during a colon cancer screening or a colonoscopy. 

Some signs and symptoms that may indicate you have a colon polyp include:

• Pelvic pain
• Change in bowel habits
• Blood in your stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact GI Endoscopy Practice to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dasani. 

How are colon polyps diagnosed?

In most cases, colon polyps are diagnosed after a colon cancer screening. Dr. Dasani offers colon cancer screening at his practice. 

The types of screenings that may assist in the diagnosis of colon polyps include:

• Colonoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Stool test

Though any of these tests can help the team at GI Endoscopy Practice diagnose colon polyps, the colonoscopy is the most comprehensive. 

How are colon polyps treated?

Colon polyps are most often benign, but they can become cancerous over time. Dr. Dasani and the team at GI Endoscopy Practice perform various procedures to remove your colon polyps, including:

Polypectomy

Dr. Dasani performs a polypectomy during a colonoscopy. He may use a wired loop to remove the growth.

Laparoscopy

If your colon polyps are large or can’t be removed safely during a colonoscopy, Dr. Dasani may recommend a laparoscopic procedure. During your laparoscopy, Dr. Dasani inserts a surgical camera through a small incision in your abdomen and then makes additional incisions for the surgical instruments he needs to remove the large polyp. 

Total proctocolectomy

For patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) — a rare genetic condition that causes multiple cancerous colon polyps — Dr. Dasani may recommend a total proctocolectomy. During the procedure, he removes your colon and rectum. 

After removal of your colon polyp, Dr. Dasani sends the tissue to a lab to determine the type. Follow-up screenings are scheduled based on the results of your pathology report.

If you have concerns about colon polyps or colon cancer, call GI Endoscopy Practice or schedule a consultation online today.