Colon polyp symptoms, diagnosis and treatment on MedicineNet.com

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Colon Polyps (cont.)

What is a colon polyp?
What types of polyps become cancerous?
Are there other factors that determine a polyp's chance of becoming cancerous?
What other types of polyps are there in addition to adenomas?
What are the guidelines for screening individuals for polyps in order to prevent colon cancer?
What kind of additional surveillance should be done once a polyp has been found?
What happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer?
Is one's risk of having colon cancer increased by having had an adenoma?
What is one's risk of having a polyp or cancer if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had an adenomatous polyp?
Are there ways to prevent colon polyps from developing?
What does the future hold for screening and surveillance of colon polyps?
Are there situations in which polyps carry a very high risk of becoming cancerous?
What about genetic counseling and testing?
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What is one's risk of having a polyp or cancer if a first- degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had an adenomatous polyp?

An individual with a first degree relative with an adenomatous polyp would have a 50% (one and one-half times) greater risk of developing colonic cancer than an individual without a relative with polyps. The risk for adenomatous polyps is not known. The current estimate is that 6% of the general population-which includes individuals with relatives with and without polyps--will develop colon cancer.

Are there ways to prevent colon polyps from developing?

First of all, there are dietary recommendations that can be made. We know that diets high in fat and low in fiber predispose an individual to develop colon polyps. This probably is why the incidence of colon polyps is much higher in developed countries such as the United States and Europe where diets are high in fat and low in fiber. A recent study, however, did not confirm that high fiber prevents colon polyps or cancer. We know that certain vitamins protect against colon cancer, namely vitamins C and E. In addition, certain cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower protect against colon cancer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin reduce the formation of polyps, although non-steroidal medications are not advocated as a means to prevent colon polyps.

What does the future hold for screening and surveillance of colon polyps?

Effort presently is being expended to develop a radiologic colonoscopic test. This is a means by which CAT scan imaging can be used to evaluate the colon for the presence of colon polyps. Preliminary studies have shown this to be relatively accurate in detecting the presence of polyps in the colon. Obviously, the limitation of this study is that polyps, once found, cannot be removed immediately but must be done at a later colonoscopy with a flexible colonoscope. Therefore, the role of the radiologic colonoscopy may be limited to simply screening populations at lower risk for the presence of polyps, and only those individuals found to harbor polyps would be sent for colonoscopic excision of the polyps. Also on the horizon are blood tests, which may determine the genetic risk for polyps. If the test discloses genes that are associated with a high risk for colon cancer, then the individual may enter a program of colonoscopic screening.