8 Symptoms of Colon Polyps and 4 Signs They May Be Cancerous : The Hearty Soul

Colon cancer rates are on the rise, especially in people of increasingly younger age. This is why it is critical that we start to educate ourselves more on the colon, the causes of colon cancer, and the signs and symptoms that you may have of this scary illness. One of the early warning signs that you could be at risk of developing colon cancer is colon polyps. What are these polyps, however, and how do you know if you have them? This is everything you need to know about colon cancer, colon polyps, and how to protect yourself.

What are colon polyps?

Cancer intestines. Gastroenterologist pointing pen tumor colon using an anatomical model for medical education — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Colon polyps are abnormal growths that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, they develop within the lining of the colon, also known as the large intestine. Polyps can vary in size and shape, and their classification depends on their histology, which is determined by microscopic examination of the tissue after removal. There are two main types of polyps based on shape: sessile polyps that grow along the inner lining of the colon wall, and pedunculated polyps that protrude into the colon on a short stalk. (1) Not all polyps are cancerous. That being said, it is important to have any polyps removed because they can become cancerous over time. The majority of colon polyps are benign, but some may contain precancerous cells or even be cancerous themselves. Regular screenings for polyps are essential, especially if you have a family history of the disease or other increased risk factors. Knowing the signs that you may have will also help you to get them taken care of before they become a problem.

8 Signs of Colon Polyps

woman hands touching on stomach with intestine virtual icon, probiotics food for gut health, colon cancer, bowel inflammatory. Healthy feminine concept. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

It would be great if our bodies could talk to us and tell us when something is amiss. While it may not be able to communicate with words, it does send us signals daily that can tell us a lot about our health. The problem is many of us aren’t listening, or at the very least, don’t know how to interpret the signals. These are eight signs that your body is telling you that you may have colon polyps.

1. Rectal bleeding and blood in the stools

Men have stomachache and use their hands to hold their stomach In the bathroom. Constipation or colon cancer. diarrhea and severely toxic food. Man touch belly in the bathroom. Abdominal pain — *Credit: Shutterstock*

While most colon polyps are asymptomatic, rectal bleeding or blood in the stools can be an indication of their presence. Blood may be bright red or appear as dark, tar-like stools.

2. Changes in bowel habits

portrait of a woman suffers from diarrhea his stomach painful. ache and problem. hand hold tissue paper roll in front of toilet bowl. constipation in bathroom. Hygiene, health care concept. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Colon polyps may cause alterations in bowel movements, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation. Consider keeping a journal of your bowel movements to track them more accurately. This will make it easier to know if something is off. There are plenty of applications available to help you do this.

3. Abdominal pain or discomfort

Unhappy sick pretty long-haired young indian woman wearing casual comfy outfit sitting on couch in living-room at home, touching belly, suffering from period crumps, side view, copy space — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Some individuals with colon polyps may experience abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort that persists. Any time you have persistent pain or discomfort in any part of your body, you should speak with your doctor. Whether serious or not, why live in discomfort when you don’t have to?

4. Anemia

Health And Pain. Stressed Exhausted Young black Woman Having Strong Tension Headache. Closeup Portrait Of Beautiful Sick Girl Suffering From Head Migraine, Feeling Pressure And Stress. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Chronic or recurrent bleeding from colon polyps can lead to iron deficiency anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. A routine blood exam can also determine anemia. If your iron levels are low, speak to your doctor.

5. Unexplained weight loss

A person is answering question about hazards. He is experiencing unexplained weight loss. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Unexpected weight loss, aka weight loss with no lifestyle modifications to cause it, is not a good thing. Weight loss that occurs without any apparent cause can sometimes be associated with colon polyps. It can also be a sign of many other diseases and cancers, so speak with your doctor right away.

6. Bowel obstruction

Woman with stomach pain causes of abdominal pain include inflammatory bowel disease-IBD. stomach ulcer irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and microvilli. closeup photo, — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Larger polyps can obstruct the colon, causing constipation and bloating. If you feel as though you are having trouble going to the bathroom, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the cause.

7. Narrow stools

Polyps that grow large enough can narrow the passageway of the colon, leading to thinning of stool. These narrow stools will often become pencil-like in their appearance or thickness.

8. Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

male office worker in a bathroom stall — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Some individuals with polyps may have a persistent sensation of incomplete evacuation after passing stool.

4 Signs that Polyps Might Be Cancerous

Doctor holding Blue ribbon with human Colon anatomy model. March Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, Colonic disease, Large Intestine, Ulcerative colitis, Digestive system and Health — *Credit: Shutterstock*

As already mentioned, not all polyps are cancerous. In fact, at first, they are quite often benign. The problem is that they all have the potential to become cancerous. These are four signs that you have polyps that have already become malignant.

1. Large size

Doctor with human Colon anatomy model and magnifying glass. Colonic disease, Large Intestine, Colorectal cancer, Ulcerative colitis, Diverticulitis, Irritable bowel syndrome and Digestive system — *Credit: Shutterstock*

The size of a polyp is a crucial factor in determining the likelihood of cancer. Generally, polyps that are 1 cm or larger have a higher chance of being cancerous, although even smaller polyps can contain cancerous cells.

2. Fixed or depressed

Hyperplastic colon polyps are often removed at the time of colonoscopy when screening for colon cancer. They are benign. Unlike adenomas, they are not precancerous and have no increased risk. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Polyps that are fixed to the colon lining or have a depressed appearance may be more likely to be malignant. Such polyps may be challenging to remove during colonoscopy.

3. Blockage of stool

A colon polyp found in the large intestine of a person with Lynch Syndrome during a colonoscopy. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

When a polyp grows too large, it can obstruct the colon, causing difficulties with bowel movements and constipation.

4. Bleeding

Toilet paper and blood. Concept of hemorrhoid treatment. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Fragile polyps may bleed, resulting in either visible blood in the stool or dark, tar-like stools. Bleeding from a polyp can be an indicator of cancerous growth.

Understanding Colon Cancer

asian female doctor wearing face mask is showing a model of the large intestine and explaining to elder senior man patient in hospital - ok gesture — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Colon cancer is a slowly developing condition that can arise from untreated or precancerous colon polyps. It is crucial to detect and remove polyps early to prevent the progression of cancer. Regular screening, such as colonoscopies, is essential for early detection, especially for individuals at higher risk, including those with a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. (2)

The Bottom Line

Gastroenterology consultation. Anatomical intestines model on doctor table over background gastroenterologist consulting female patient at medical clinic — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Colon polyps are common and often benign growths in the colon lining. However, some polyps have the potential to develop into colon cancer if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms of colon polyps, such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, is important for early detection. Additionally, understanding the signs that polyps may be cancerous, such as their size, appearance, blockage of stool, and bleeding, can help guide appropriate investigation and treatment. Regular screening and timely removal of polyps are crucial to prevent the progression to colon cancer and ensure optimal health.

Sources

“4 Signs Your Colon Polyps May Be Cancerous.” Good Rx. Valerie Emuakhagbon, MD. August 10, 2022.
“What Is Colorectal Cancer?” American Cancer Society