Colorectal Polyps in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps, occasionally known as colon polyps, are a common occurrence among patients. The word “colorectal” references the colon and the rectum. Many health conditions which affect the colon also include the rectum, which is why they are usually spoken of together. A colorectal polyp is a polyp that presents in either the rectum or the colon. A colorectal polyp is a mass consisting of a clump of cells on the lining of your rectum or colon.
Polyps on their own are typically harmless and most often don't cause symptoms; however, colon and rectal polyps need to be addressed since they can, over time, present as cancerous. To confirm a suspicion of colon polyps, the gastrointestinal specialists at GastroArkansas commonly provide colonoscopy procedures. Please call to request a colonoscopy in Little Rock, AR.
What are the causes of colorectal polyps?
Colon polyps occur when cells experience more division or growth than what is normal. The medical community is still unclear as to the reasons this happens, regardless, there are connections and risk factors that are common among individuals who live with colon or rectal polyps.
Some of the risk factors for rectal polyps are:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Being over 45 years of age
- Ulcerative colitis
- Having a history or family history of colorectal polyps
- Genetic predisposition
- Type 2 diabetes
- Crohn's disease
- “Typical Western diet” (low fiber, high fat)
- Being overweight
- Tobacco use
Hereditary genetic conditions can increase an individual's risk of experiencing colorectal polyps. Those conditions could include:
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Lynch syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
To speak with a GI specialist in Little Rock, AR to determine if you are at risk for colorectal polyps, contact a GastroArkansas location in your community to request a consultation.
What are common symptoms of colon and rectal polyps?
Frequently, cases of colon or rectal polyps will not manifest with symptoms. If symptoms are present, some of the most prevalent symptoms of colon polyps include:
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea (lasting longer than seven days)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Exhaustion
- Constipation
If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, are 45 years of age or greater, or have a family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer and are in the Little Rock, AR area, please reach out to us about colon cancer screenings.
What if polyps are identified during a colonoscopy?
It is common to find polyps during a colonoscopy and, many times, polyps are not cancerous (benign). Polyps discovered in a colonoscopy will, quite often, be removed during the colonoscopy (polypectomy) and tested for cancer. If your colorectal polyps are found to be non-cancerous, then your provider will likely advise regular screenings for colorectal cancer in the future. If any polyp is diagnosed as malignant (cancerous), you and your GastroArkansas provider will discuss the appropriate steps moving forward.
The most common approach to treating colon or rectal polyps is to excise them. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in your rectum and colon can be removed in conjunction with the procedure. This is referred to as a polypectomy. In more serious situations, a portion (or the entirety) of your rectum or colon may need to be removed.
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colorectal polyps a genetic condition?
A family history of colon polyps can increase your personal risk of developing this gastrointestinal disease. Some variations of polyps can have a genetic correlation and may be more likely to occur among relatives. Speak with your GI provider about your personal and family history of colon polyps to review your risk and the need for colon cancer testing.
Will colorectal polyps grow back after removal?
Generally, it is uncommon for a colorectal polyp to return once it is completely extracted. However, some people might have new polyps develop in other areas of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It is, therefore, highly important to undergo regular colon cancer screenings as advised by your gastroenterologist.
Can colorectal polyps be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent polyps from occurring, especially if you are at an elevated risk due to your genetics. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help lessen the chance of colorectal polyps development. This can include consuming a well-balanced diet, avoiding the use of tobacco, limiting the consumption of alcohol, and getting adequate exercise. Having periodic colonoscopy exams upon turning age 45 may also help lower this risk.
How long is recovery after colon polyp removal?
In general, the majority of patients require around seven days to recuperate following a polypectomy during a colonoscopy exam. Our GastroArkansas team will review aftercare information on what you can expect during recovery and when you can resume your normal routine.
Get treatment for colon or rectal polyps
Colon polyps can be diagnosed, removed, and evaluated for cancer during a routine colonoscopy procedure. As a physician-led team of gastroenterology specialists, GastroArkansas works to provide a patient-focused experience. To hear more about colon and rectal polyps, and how they can be found and removed, we recommend that you get in touch with a gastroenterology specialist in Little Rock, AR today.
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Very nice and helpful
They truly Listened To me And truly made me feel comfortable, Gastro Arkansas is my place to go for anything that's Stomach or Polyps. They don't leave you without giving you answers.
I was in for a consultation. Each person who helped me was courteous and professional. Very helpful in understanding what to expect.
Dr Johnson is very personable and listens to every detail !! I feel I am in the best professional hands possible for my Gastro care !!!!
I used Dr. Heath several years ago, but haven’t had to see anyone since. I was called by His office staff and scheduled an appointment. When I arrived I was told I canceled it. I knew I didn’t and then was told the referral Drs. Office called and told me the lady’s name who canceled My appointment and told me to contact them, so I did. They were totally shocked and said they never canceled the appointment. I had to drive a 75 mile round trip and couldn’t get my consultation. I think Dr. Heath is an excellent Dr and wanted to use Him, except that one staff member wasn’t apologetic at all and was not friendly to me, but the receptionist was apologetic. Update on My review; Amber from Dr. Heath’s office called Me this morning, and apologized and made it right with Me on this incident. I appreciate this and will have to say it made Me feel good about this Practice and the ones that went out of their way to contact Me. Thank You and for that I think they deserve a 5 star review. Update: I had my EGD/Colonoscopy today, I had a great experience with the staff and Dr. Heath. It went great and I didn’t feel drowsy or sick afterwards, the staff made me feel very comfortable and treated Me excellent.
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