There’s a fair chance that you will develop colon polyps at some point. The good news is that most colon polyps are actually harmless. However, some of them may eventually turn cancerous and could pave the way for colon cancer. As such, it’s important to keep a close eye on any polyps you have and to work with medical practitioners to monitor your health. If you believe you have a colon polyp and live near Newport Beach, CA, contact Dr. Glenn Madokoro right away.
What Are Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps are clumps of cells that line your colon. These clumps form when the cells begin to divide more frequently than they should. This leads to a growth, or polyp. You can get polyps elsewhere on the body, although colon polyps are among the most common.
Are Colon Polyps Cancerous?
Not all colon polyps are cancerous, but some of them can become cancerous. Like polyps, cancer occurs when cells divide and grow too frequently. If your polyp isn’t growing at a fast rate and isn’t spreading, however, it may not pose a risk to your health and may not be cancerous.
Often, it takes several years for a polyp to become cancerous. This means if you identify polyps early and keep a close eye on them, you can greatly mitigate risks. If cancer does form, your prognosis will typically be much better if caught early on. Unfortunately, if cancerous polyps are not mitigated, your condition could worsen, and it may turn out to be fatal.
If you live around Newport Beach, CA, and believe you have a polyp, get in touch with Dr. Madokoro. Remember, time is of the essence, so don’t delay.
Who Can Get Colon Polyps?
Given that colon polyps can turn cancerous, it’s a smart idea to keep an eye out for them. This is especially true if you’re a high-risk individual. Several factors are linked to an increased risk of polyps forming and turning cancerous, including:
- Being over the age of 50
- Smoking
- Having Type II diabetes
- Being overweight
That said, anyone can get colon polyps. Even if you’re younger, healthy, and otherwise low risk, you’ll want to keep an eye out for them. If you believe they have formed, you should talk with your doctor right away.
Identifying Colon Polyps
If you experience a change in bowel habits, it could be due to a polyp. Rectal bleeding, changes in stool color, and pain in your colon are also signs that polyps may have formed. A doctor can use CT scans, a colonoscopy, and other methods to diagnose your condition.
Folks who live near Newport Beach, CA, and are worried about a colon polyp can dial (949) 548-8800 to reach Dr. Madokoro.