Do I Have Colon Polyps?

Do you have a rectal bleeding?

Do you have red streaks in your stool (blood in the stool)?

Do you have black stool?

Do you have constipation that lasts longer than a week?

Do you have diarrhea that lasts longer than a week?

Do you have abdominal pain or cramps?

Do you feel fatigue?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you have a diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia?

Are you a man, African-American or over 50?

Are you overweight?

Are you a smoker or regularly use alcohol?

Do you have a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer?

Do you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes?

Has anyone in your family had other cancers of the digestive tract, the uterus, ovaries or the bladder?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have colon polyps. Colon polyps are lumps on the lining of your colon. Colon polyps often go without symptoms and most of them are harmless, but in some cases polyps can become cancerous. Certain lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk of colon polyps. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, quit smoking and limit alcohol use, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. It is possible for anyone to develop colon polyps, so regular colonoscopies are extremely important. Talk to your doctor about genetic counseling, if you have a family history of colon polyps.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have colon polyps. Colon polyps are growths that appear on the lining of your colon. It is estimated that over 30% of people in the U.S. have colon polyps. They are more common in men and adults over 50. A change of color of your stool and changed bowel habits may indicate colon polyps, but these symptoms may also be caused by food, medications, supplements and other conditions. Colon polyps should be removed because some of them may develop into colon cancer. Your gastroenterologists may remove the polyps during colonoscopy. Please, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have colon polyps. A colon polyp represents a group of cells that develop on the lining of your colon. There are two types of polyps: non-neoplastic and neoplastic. Non-neoplastic polyps usually are not dangerous, but neoplastic polyps, especially the large ones can cause serious problems. Regular screening that includes colonoscopy is extremely important because most colon polyps do not cause symptoms. It is possible to safely and completely remove colon polyps if they are detected in the early stages. After the polyp is removed, your doctor will send the polyp tissue for testing to check for cancer.