Colorectal Polyps in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat are colorectal polyps?
Colorectal polyps, occasionally called colon polyps, are a common-place medical condition affecting many individuals in Dallas, TX. The label “colorectal” refers to the colon and the rectum. Many health conditions that impact the colon tend to affect the rectum, which is the reason they are often referenced together. A colon polyp is a polyp that presents in either the colon or the rectum. A colon polyp is a mass consisting of a grouping of cells on the lining of your colon or rectum.
Polyps alone are commonly harmless and often don't cause symptoms; however, colorectal polyps should be addressed since they can, over time, grow to be cancerous. To confirm a suspicion of colorectal polyps, schedule at a Digestive Health Associates of Texas location in your community.
What are the causes of colon polyps?
Colon polyps are formed when cells divide or grow more than what is typical. The medical community remains without proof as to why this is the case, however, there are connections and risk factors that are associated with people who present with colorectal polyps.
Some of the risk factors for colon polyps are:
- High fat, low fiber diet (known as the "Common Western Diet")
- Smoking
- Having a personal or family history of colorectal polyps
- Ulcerative colitis
- Genetic predisposition
- High consumption of alcohol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Crohn's disease
- Being over 45 years of age
- Being overweight
Inherited genetic conditions can raise an individual's risk of having colorectal polyps. Those conditions may include but are not limited to:
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What are the symptoms of colorectal polyps?
Frequently, cases of colon or rectal polyps are not manifested as symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms, some of the most common symptoms of colon polyps include:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea (lasting in excess of seven days)
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
If you are experiencing any combination of the listed symptoms, are age 45 or above, or have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps, please get in touch with Digestive Health Associates of Texas for more information about the importance of routine colon cancer screenings.
What does it mean if a physician identifies polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is not unusual to identify polyps during a colonoscopy, and most commonly, polyps are not cancerous (benign). Polyps identified while undergoing a colonoscopy will often be extracted and assessed for indications of cancer. If your colon polyps are determined to be non-malignant, then your doctor may advise routine colorectal cancer screenings in the future. If your polyp is determined to be malignant (cancerous), you and your GI specialist at Digestive Health Associates of Texas will make a plan with the appropriate next steps.
The main way to treat colorectal polyps is by removing them. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in your colon and rectum can be excised in a procedure referred to as a polypectomy. In extreme cases, part of or the entirety of your colon or rectum may require removal. Our team will guide you through the steps leading up to and following your colonoscopy with great care!
Colorectal Polyps FAQs
Are colorectal polyps genetic?
Having a familial history of colorectal polyps can elevate your own risk of developing this health concern. Certain variations of polyps can carry a genetic correlation and can be more prevalent among family members. Talk with your GI doctor about your personal and family history of colorectal polyps to assess your risk and determine your frequency of colon cancer testing.
Do colorectal polyps return?
Generally, it is unusual for a colon polyp to grow back after being removed. However, some people may develop new polyps in other parts of the rectum or colon (large intestine). For this reason, it is vital to schedule regular colorectal cancer screenings as recommended by your physician.
Can colorectal polyps be prevented?
You may be unable to prevent polyps from arising, particularly if you carry an elevated risk due to hereditary factors. However, healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of colorectal polyps. These involve consuming a well-balanced diet, limiting the consumption of alcohol, avoiding tobacco use, and getting plenty of exercise. Having periodic colonoscopy screenings starting at age 45 can also help diminish the chance of polyp development.
How long does it take to recover after colon polyp removal?
On average, most patients need around one week to recover after having a polypectomy during a colonoscopy procedure. Our team at Digestive Health Associates of Texas will review aftercare information on what to expect during the recovery period and when you can resume your normal routine.
Get treatment for colon or rectal polyps
Colon polyps can be detected, excised, and tested for cancer at a routine colonoscopy in Dallas, TX. As a physician-led team of gastroenterology specialists, Digestive Health Associates of Texas strives to provide a patient-focused experience. To discover more about colon polyps and how they may be detected and excised, we recommend that you get in touch with our gastroenterology practice today.
Reviews
Dr. Shea was thorough in explaining the procedure, answered all questions, provided resources, and was professional in his connection with me. His staff was compassionate and excellent in every way.
I chose Dr. Brown because of the ratings so I'm putting in my rating and have already recommended him. I received excellent care from him and his nurses. I was expecting to be sore after having a colonoscopy this past Friday especially since he told me he removed 2 polyps (pre-cancerous fortunately!!) but absolutely no soreness. As a matter, I don't feel any different. I was not having any symptoms but I was motivated to go this done since I am 51 and I had a friend die from colon cancer last month and an aunt that survived colon cancer just a couple of years ago. Anyway, I'm glad I did and am really strongly encouraging my friends and family to have a colonoscopy. So, I will be sending a few more people your way!!!
To say that I appreciate Dr. Yepuri and his staff is a major understatement. During my recent colonoscopy, Dr. Yepuri found an alarming NINE polyps, some of which contained pre-cancerous cells. By removing them, Dr. Yepuri may very well have saved my life. So yes, "appreciate" is insufficient. Eternal gratitude is more like it. How great it must be to do such important, fulfilling work. THANK YOU, Dr. Yepuri and your staff. You are all life-savers.
As it is with most guys, I was nervous about getting my first colonoscopy. Especially since I was getting an Endoscopy at the same time. This is why many men choose not to go. Well, put your mind at ease. The care given by Dr. Chandra's team was top notch. From the moment I walked in the door to the moment I left (about an hour later), the staff was respectful and courteous. I tried to keep things light-hearted because of my nervousness and they went along with it. I have no doubt that they do all that they can in order to set a tone of calm and relaxation. I did not feel any part of the procedure. None. The information provided after the procedures included multiple copies of the paperwork. This included follow-up instructions, printed photographs, contact numbers for the clinic, medications that were prescribed and self-care steps at home. I had two polyps removed and there was no bleeding afterward, nor was there any pain. In fact, the first thing I wanted to do was eat! The follow-up was completed via FaceTime. I do not know if this is the normal practice or if it was due to living in the time of Covid-19. All of my questions were answered and, if I had more, they were just a phone call away. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the staff here. Men – do yourself a favor and get yourself checked out. This is especially needed for 45+. DO NOT WAIT!!! Ladies, have your husband (or significant other) read this and, hopefully, it will help put them at ease. Again: There was no pain nor discomfort, the staff was knowledgeable and pleasant, and I cannot say enough for the care shown to me. Thank you.
I have been Dr. Brown's patient for over 12 years. I have referred several patients to him for colonoscopies, it saved my life and will yours too! Dr. Brown is an amazing specialist with such a great attitude and a gentle, kind nature. His staff is just as kind, caring, and professional. Each time I have had the procedure, Dr. Brown has removed more polyps, some benign and some pre-cancer. Let him help you avoid colon cancer. Call him today!
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