Colorectal Polyps and Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and women. These cancers arise from the inner lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Tumors may also arise from the inner lining of the very last part of the digestive tract, called the rectum. Unfortunately, most colorectal cancers are "silent" tumors. They grow slowly and often do not produce symptoms until they reach a large size. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is preventable, and curable, if detected early.

How Does Colorectal Cancer Develop? Colorectal cancer usually begins as a polyp. The word "polyp" is a nonspecific term to describe a growth on the inner surface of the colon. Polyps are often non-cancerous growths but some can develop into cancer. The two most common types of polyps found in the colon and rectum include: Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps. Usually these polyps do not carry a risk of developing into cancer. However, large hyperplastic polyps, especially on the right side of the colon, are of concern and should be completely removed. Adenomas or adenomatous polyps. Polyps, which, if left alone, could turn into colon cancer. These are considered pre-cancerous. Although most colorectal polyps do not become cancer, virtually all colon and rectal cancers start from these growths. People may inherit diseases in which the risk of colon polyps and cancer is very high. Colorectal cancer may also develop from areas of abnormal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum. This area of abnormal cells is called dysplasia and is more commonly seen in people with certain inflammatory diseases of the bowel such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? While anyone can get colorectal cancer, it is most common among people over the age of 50. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include: A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. A diet high in red meats and processed meats. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer Obesity. Smoking. Physical inactivity Heavy alcohol use Type 2 diabetes

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer? Unfortunately, colorectal cancer may strike without symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to be screened regularly by your doctor for colorectal cancer, even if you have no symptoms.

In addition to getting a medical history and physical exam, there are a number of tests your doctor can perform to help detect colorectal cancer and polyps early. Tests to help detect colorectal polyps and cancer include: Sigmoidoscopy. This is a procedure used to examine the rectum and very last part of the colon. This test can detect polyps, cancer, and other abnormalities in the sigmoid colon and rectum. During this exam, a biopsy (tissue sample) may also be removed and sent for testing. Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon and rectum. During this procedure, polyps can be removed and sent for testing. Colon X-rays. Also known as a double-contrast barium enema or lower GI series, this test provides an outline of the lining to detect abnormalities in the colon and rectum. CT Colonography. This is a special X-ray test (also referred to as a virtual colonoscopy) done of the entire colon using a CT (computed tomography) scanner. This test takes less time and is less invasive than other tests. However, if a polyp is detected, a standard colonoscopy needs to be performed. The earliest sign of colon cancer may be bleeding. Often tumors bleed only small amounts intermittently, and evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool. This is called occult bleeding, meaning it is not always visible to the naked eye. When tumors have grown to a large size they may cause a change in the frequency or the caliber of the stool. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include: A persistent change in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea). Blood on or in the stool. Abdominal discomfort. Unexplained weight loss. Anemia.

What Happens If a Colorectal Polyp Is Found? If colorectal polyps are found, they should be removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. Once the microscopic type of polyp is determined, the follow-up interval for the next colonoscopy can be made. How Is Colorectal Cancer Treated? The majority of colorectal polyps can be removed during a routine colonoscopy and and examined under a microscope. Very large adenomas and cancers are removed with surgery. If the cancer is found in the early stages, surgery can cure the disease. Advanced colorectal cancers may be treated in a variety of ways, depending on their location. Treatments include surgery and radiation therapy and chemotherapy. How Can I Prevent Colorectal Cancer? Living a healthy lifestyle that includes no smoking, regular exercise, maintenance of a healthy weight, and a diet that is low in red meat and high in vegetables and fruit is probably your best start at general cancer prevention. How Can I Prevent Colorectal Cancer? continued... Some studies have shown that aspirin and other drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may help prevent colon cancers but this is usually in patients with familial adenomatous polyps, a condition discussed below. NSAIDs also carry increased risks of serious complications, such as stomach bleeding and heart attacks, so they are not recommended as a general preventive measure for people at average risk for colorectal cancer.

Screening for cancer is another important step. General Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations: These recommendations are for people at average risk for colorectal cancer without symptoms or a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Screening should begin at the age of 50. Stool tests (fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test) performed once a year. These are simple at-home tests that check for hidden blood in the stool from multiple samples. A newer stool test is a stool DNA test, which requires an entire stool specimen. The recommended interval for stool DNA testing has not been determined. A colonoscopy should be done if stool test results are abnormal. OR Flexible sigmoidoscopy performed every 5 years. This is an outpatient procedure for examining the inside of the lower portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon, and also the rectum. This test can miss polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities that are beyond the reach of the scope. If abnormalities are detected then a colonoscopy needs to be done as well. OR Colonoscopy, performed once every 10 years. This is the preferred test. OR Air contrast barium enema performed every 5 years. During this procedure, a barium enema is given and then air is blown in to make the barium spread over the lining of the colon, producing an outline of the inner colon and rectum on X-ray. This test can miss small polyps or cancer. If any abnormalities are detected, a colonoscopy is needed. CT colongraphy (virtual colonoscopy) performed every 5 years. This can miss small polyps. If any abnormalities are detected, a colonoscopy is needed. People at higher risk for colorectal cancer include those with a personal history of polyps on previous colonoscopy, colorectal cancer, and/or inflammatory bowel disease, strong family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, and a family history of a hereditary cancer syndrome. Screening guidelines for adults consist of screening with colonoscopy starting at a younger age however, the exact age to start screening and interval of testing vary depending on specific risk factors.