Symptoms of Colon Polyps

Colon polyp is basically a growth on the colon surface, which is also known as the large intestine.

It is possible to have one or more colon polyps.

They can be flat or raised.

There might not be any symptoms of colon polyps because it is a benign tumor.

In some cases polyps can cause certain signs and symptoms, the most prominent ones are rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and a sudden change in bowel movements.

It is when polyps are small that they do not cause trouble. When they grow they start to aggravate the body and cause complications.

Doctors recommend screening your intestines and stomach from time to time, just to be safe. Because if polyps are diagnosed in the early stages they can be more easily removed.

Colon polyps can range from a small pea shaped tumor to the size of a golf ball.

The smaller polyps do not cause problems and cannot be diagnosed unless you examine your stomach.

However, sometimes you can have certain symptoms of colon polyps such as:

  1. Rectal Bleeding:
    This symptom is quiet common with colon polyps. You might sometimes notice blood in your stools or on the toilet paper. Although this is a telltale symptom of colon polyps or even colon cancer at times, it might also indicate certain other conditions, like minor tears or fissures or hemorrhoids in the anus. Hemorrhoids don’t bleed consistently over a prolonged period of time. If the bleeding persists, contact your doctor immediately.

  2. Bloody Stools:
    Blood can also be seen in the form of red streaks in the stool and can make your bowel movements appear black. However, a change in the color of your stool does not necessarily mean that there is a problem, sometimes iron supplements and medications for preventing diarrhea can also make your stools appear black. Red licorice and beets can also contribute to the red color in your stools.

  3. Diarrhea or Constipation:
    These two conditions can also indicate that you have colon polyps. Also note that most of the time you have nothing to worry about. Eat well and diarrhea and constipation should pass.

  4. Obstruction or Pain:
    If a larger colon polyp is formed in the intestine, it can partially obstruct your bowel movements, causing cramping and abdominal pain, followed by nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. Any or all of these conditions are usually severe and require immediate medical care.

Nearly all the colon cancer forms tend to develop from colon polyps, but these polyps tend to grow slowly and during a longer period of time, we're talking years here!

Screening tests are done for detecting these colon polyps before they actually become malignant or cancerous.

The symptoms can be very painful and require proper medication and treatment.

Dietary changes do help in preventing colon problems, so eat healthy!








Stay healthy. Stay safe!



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