Colon polyps are a precancerous disease, often complicated by malignancy, that is, the degeneration of the polyp into cancer. The disease has no age restrictions, is typical for both adults and children. The nonspecificity of symptoms makes early diagnosis difficult, so it is recommended to undergo annual preventive examination of the large intestine.

What is colon polyposis?

A colon polyp is a protrusion of the mucous membrane or the proliferation of atypical cells. Such formations can occur in the lumen of any hollow organ digestive system. They can appear not only in the large intestine, but also in the stomach. Polyps are dangerous because in most cases they degenerate into intestinal cancer. According to statistics, most often multiple polyps (polyposis) and villous polyps develop into cancer.

Villous are those that have the appearance of villi. Multiple polyps malignize (turn into cancer) in 90% of cases, and villous polyps in 35–40% of cases. That's why early diagnosis And timely treatment polyps will help avoid colon cancer. Types of colon polyps:

1. Adenomatous polyp. It looks like a pink, round, smooth and dense formation in the intestinal wall. The surface of the polyp does not differ in appearance from the rest of the intestinal mucosa. Most often, such polyps grow on a stalk.
2. Hyperplastic polyp. In appearance, it is a flat formation with a smooth whitish surface, without a stalk.
3. Villous polyp. It looks like a sponge that lines the inner surface of the intestines. At the slightest contact, such a polyp begins to bleed.
4. Fibrous polyp. This is the one that grows from connective tissue. Often it can occur at the site of a hemorrhoid.
5. Pseudopolyps. This is a growth of the intestinal mucosa against the background inflammatory process. Such polyps bleed easily, do not have legs and are easy to treat.

Risk factors for the disease:

• The predominance of protein foods in the diet insufficient quantities vegetable fiber, as well as a lot of animal fat increases the incidence of constipation. The contractility of the intestine decreases, the biocenosis in the intestine is disrupted. All this can lead to inflammatory processes in the intestines.
• Heredity. A genetic predisposition to polyposis can lead to the appearance of polyps even in childhood.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to atony of the intestinal walls, to their relaxation, which contributes to stagnation feces and constipation.
• Chronic diseases in the large intestine ( nonspecific colitis, intestinal dyskinesia). The chronic inflammatory process leads to modification (dysplasia) of the mucous membrane.

Symptoms and manifestations of colon polyposis

The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the fact that specific symptoms this disease does not. Periodically, constipation, discomfort during bowel movements, and abdominal pain may occur. Sometimes you can notice blood in the stool. All this does not confirm the diagnosis of colon polyposis. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out additional methods research.

Treatment of colon polyps

Traditional medicine does not support attempts to treat colon polyps with conservative (non-surgical) methods. Any polyp found in the colon must be surgically removed. There are several types of operations for this disease:

1. Endoscopic polyp removal. This is an operation performed through a colonoscope tube. An endoscope is inserted into the rectum. Due to the presence of a camera in it, the view of the intestinal mucosa is displayed on the monitor. Having reached the polyp, a loop is put on its leg, clamped and cut. The electrocoagulator cauterizes the area of ​​the mucous membrane on which the polyp was located. If the polyp does not have a leg, and it is not possible to put a loop on it, then it is removed in parts. Endoscopic removal of polyps is carried out without general anesthesia. The patient can lead a normal lifestyle the very next day after surgery.
2. Abdominal surgery is performed in the presence of multiple or villous polyps. These types of polyps are difficult to remove endoscopically and affect a large area of ​​the large intestine, so excision of part of the intestine is required. After this operation, patients are on rehabilitation treatment in the hospital.

After removal, the polyp is sent to microscopic examination to determine the degree of malignancy.

Polyps are small, benign (non-cancerous) growths in the inner lining of the colon. Most often they are found in older people. Typically, colon polyps do not manifest themselves in any way and do not cause any problems. However, if polyps are found, they must be removed. This is due to the fact that over time the polyp can degenerate into malignant tumor.

What is a polyp?

Polyp- it's small benign education, which sometimes appears on inner surface colon or rectum (anus). Some people may only have one polyp, but it is also quite common for people to have two or more polyps at the same time. A colonic polyp may have a “leg” and a “head” and resemble a fungus growing from the inner lining of the intestine. There are other types of polyps that have a flatter shape, like a "growth" on the inner surface of the colon. Most often, polyps form in the left half of the colon - the descending colon and the sigmoid colon. But polyps can also be in other parts of the intestine.

Briefly about the gastrointestinal tract

Colon and rectum ( anus) are parts gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract begins at the level of the mouth and ends in the anal canal. When we eat or drink, food and liquid from the mouth travel through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach processes food and pushes it into the small intestine. The length of the small intestine is several meters and it is in it that the main processes of digestion and absorption occur nutrients. Undigested food, water and waste then enter the colon. The largest part of the large intestine is called the colon, and is about 150 centimeters long. It is divided into 4 sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. The colon primarily absorbs water and some salts. The colon continues into the rectum, its length is from 15 to 20 centimeters. The rectum accumulates feces (stool) before it is emptied.

Types of colon polyps

Typically, colonic polyps are divided into three types: hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps (adenomas), and polyps in polyposis syndromes.

It is quite difficult to determine the degree of risk of an adenoma degenerating into cancer. Clinical studies have been conducted that have shown that if a patient has a single polyp adenoma measuring 1 cm, then the risk of its degeneration into colon cancer within 10 years is 1 in 12, and within 20 years - 1 in 4. Also described and predisposing factors for the degeneration of an adenoma into a tumor, for example, the larger the adenoma, the higher the risk. There are also different subtypes of adenomas, some of which have a much higher risk of developing into cancer than others.

Who gets colon polyps and what causes them?

Most often, polyps form in older people. Among people over 50, about one in four have at least one colon polyp. Thus, we can conclude that polyps are a very common condition. The reason for the appearance of polyps is not entirely clear. The polyp is local thickening or growth of the inner lining (mucosa) of the colon. What causes this growth to begin is still not clear.

What are the possible manifestations of colon polyps?

Most people who have one or two polyps do not have any symptoms at all. Thus, older people, that is, those who are most susceptible to the formation of polyps, may not even realize that they have polyps. Sometimes polyps can manifest symptoms such as bleeding from the anal canal, mucus in the stool, or, most rarely, diarrhea or constipation.

How are polyps diagnosed (identified)?

Most often, colon polyps are discovered during this study. Colonoscopy is a diagnostic method in which the doctor examines the entire colon from the inside. A colonoscope is a thin flexible telescope tube. The thickness of a colonoscope is approximately equal to a finger. It enters through the anus and further into all parts of the colon until it reaches the cecum (the junction of the small and large intestines). A colonoscope has fiber optic channels that transmit light to a camera at the end of the machine. This allows the doctor to examine your intestine from the inside.

Sometimes other research methods are used to diagnose colon polyps, such as irrigoscopy (special X-ray examination with contrast), sigmoidoscopy (similar to colonoscopy, but uses a shorter telescope) and sigmoidoscopy.

When performing sigmoidoscopy, it is possible to study the lowest part of the large intestine - the rectum and the beginning sigmoid colon, that is, the final 15-20 centimeters of the colon.

During sigmoidoscopy, the lower third of the colon is examined. Both studies are conducted in outpatient setting and do not require lengthy preparation.

In contrast, a colonoscopy allows you to examine the entire colon. To conduct the study, preliminary preparation of the intestine (cleaning the intestine of feces) is required.

Although stool examination is occult blood is important method diagnosis of various diseases of the colon, negative result This test does NOT guarantee the absence of polyps. If at least one polyp is detected, it is required full examination colon, since in 30% of cases polyps are multiple.

As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of polyps do not manifest themselves in any way. Therefore, in a large number of people who have polyps, they will never be diagnosed (not detected). The above diagnostic methods can be prescribed if you have any characteristic symptoms or for other reasons. For example, if a stool test for occult blood results in positive result, then a colonoscopy should be scheduled for an accurate examination of the colon.

How are colon polyps treated?

If you have a colon polyp or polyps, you will most likely be asked to have them removed, even if the presence of the polyps is not associated with any symptoms. This is done in order to prevent the risk of malignant degeneration of polyps into a cancerous tumor in the future.

Most colon polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. The colonoscope has a channel through which special long instruments are inserted into the intestinal lumen, with the help of which the polyp is removed. This may be a forceps-like instrument that grasps and lifts the polyp from the intestinal wall, usually used to remove very small polyps. There are other instruments, at the end of which there is a wire electrosurgical loop, with the help of which the polyp is “cut off” from the intestinal wall and at the same time the vessels are cauterized to prevent bleeding.

Typically, the polyp removal procedure is painless and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may also be offered a colonoscopy with removal of polyps in a state of drug-induced sleep (“under sedation”, “under anesthesia”), in which case the risk of pain during the procedure is reduced to zero.

Sometimes, multiple procedures may be required to remove large polyps. If the size and location of the polyps do not allow them to be produced endoscopic removal, required surgery.

After the polyp is removed, it is sent for histological examination (examination under a microscope). This is done to make sure that the polyp has been completely removed, to determine the type of polyp, whether it is benign (not cancerous) or whether there are signs of malignant degeneration.

Can polyps form again after removal?

Once a polyp is removed, the possibility of it reappearing in the same place is very small. However, it has been found that people who have had polyps in the past have a high risk of developing new polyps in other parts of the colon. Therefore, after removal of polyps, patients should undergo regular examination in a specialized medical institution.

COLONOSCOPY AND REMOVAL OF COLON POLYPS IS NOW AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE!

Removal of polyps in the State Clinic of Coloproctology and Minimally Invasive Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with colon polyps or you want to undergo an examination to identify or exclude polyps, you can contact our Clinic.

Colonoscopy with removal of polyps (endoscopic polypectomy) is possible:

Free within the framework of compulsory health insurance, that is, under the compulsory medical insurance policy, if there is a referral from a medical institution or a territorial health authority

Free within the framework of high-tech medical care if a previously performed biopsy confirms malignant degeneration of the polyp

On a contractual basis at the request of the patient

Diagnostic colonoscopy, as well as removal of polyps during colonoscopy, can be performed with intravenous sedation (pain relief).

Polypous growths in the intestines are one of the most common pathologies of the digestive organs. Polyps are predominantly localized in the large intestine and rectum. They for a long time grow without symptoms and are often discovered accidentally during an endoscopic examination. Because of high risk Malignant polyps in the intestines are recommended to be removed surgically.

What types of polyps are there?

Depending on the morphological structure, intestinal polyps can be of the following types:

• glandular (adenomatous);
• hyperplastic;
• villous (papillary);
• juvenile;
• glandular-villous (adenopapillary).

Glandular polyps are more common in the large intestine. They are identified by specialists in most patients with polypous growths. An adenomatous polyp is capable of magnesization (malignancy). Outwardly, it resembles mushroom-shaped growths located along the mucous membrane. Typically, a glandular adenomatous polyp does not bleed, which is why the start of treatment is delayed.

A hyperplastic polyp is not prone to malignancy. It is a soft nodule that rises slightly on the mucous membrane. At the same time, the intestine is practically unchanged in appearance due to the small size of the neoplasm (hyperplastic polyps in diameter do not exceed 3–5 mm).

Villous polyps can be in the form of nodes or creeping formations of a rich red color. They are localized in the rectum, have many vessels, so they often bleed and produce copious mucous discharge. They are benign tumors, but are subject to surgical treatment.

Juvenile polypous growths can reach large sizes. They have a pedicle and are detected mainly in children and adolescents. They are not prone to malignancy. Situated singly.

An intermediate form between papillary and adenomatous formations are adenopapillary polyps in the intestine. They are accompanied by an average oncogenic risk.

Why do polyps appear?

It is impossible to indicate the exact causes of polyps in the intestines. Experts only make assumptions by analyzing patient histories over time. last tens years. Doctors put forward several hypotheses that explain why polypous growths may appear on the intestinal walls. One of the main reasons is a chronic inflammatory process in the mucous membrane associated with poor nutrition, infectious diseases, bad habits, low fiber content in the diet.

Formations with a high oncogenic risk appear due to high content in the diet of animal fats, fried foods containing carcinogens. Against the backdrop of lack fresh fruit and vegetables, intestinal motility decreases, its contents come into contact with intestinal walls. Carcinogens from processed food are absorbed into the epithelium, causing hyperplastic processes in glandular cells.

People at risk for polyp formation include people who:

• often consume drinks and foods that irritate the mucous membranes digestive tract;
• suffer from chronic constipation;
• have undergone traumatic diagnostic or surgical procedures on the intestines;
• abuse alcoholic beverages;
• have chronic pathologies Gastrointestinal tract, especially of an infectious-inflammatory nature;
• engage in heavy physical labor;
• lead sedentary lifestyle life;
• eat fast food, fatty meats, products instant cooking, which contain carcinogens and preservatives;
• get little fiber from food.

Possible complications

Any formations in the intestines, especially polyps prone to malignancy, should not be ignored by specialists. They often form without additional symptoms, and a person may for many years not know about their presence until will undergo examination or no obvious clinical manifestations of the disease will appear. But why are polyps in the intestines so dangerous? Why do they need to be treated on time?

The main danger of polyps is magnetization. It is the risk of degeneration into cancer that worries specialists the most. Adenomatous polyps of the large intestine are especially dangerous. They are not prone to ulceration, and the patient does not know for decades that he is suffering from a precancerous pathology. The average rate of degeneration of a glandular polyp into cancer is 7–10 years. But experts prefer not to take risks and perform the operation immediately after detecting polypous growths.

At long term and active growth of polyps can lead to the following complications:

• chronic constipation;
• bleeding;
• intestinal obstruction;
• prolonged flatulence;
• anemia;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• volvulus;
• perforation of the intestinal wall;
• chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls due to damage to the walls of the neoplasm.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist for additional examination when the first symptoms of polyps appear in the intestines.

People with a history of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or unfavorable heredity are recommended to undergo regular preventive examinations by specialists. This will get you started early treatment and get rid of polyps in less traumatic ways.

Clinical picture of polyps

In most patients, there are no signs of polyps for a long time, until the formations reach their maximum size. Neoplasms grow and compress surrounding tissues, causing local ischemia. They interfere with the movement of feces, causing constipation, bleeding, painful sensations and other signs of intestinal polyps.

Duodenal polyps grow asymptomatically. The pain appears at the height of the disease, is localized in the abdominal area, accompanied by heaviness in the stomach, nausea, frequent belching. In active growth, the polyp can close the lumen of the duodenum, as a result of which food remains in the stomach for a long time. In this state, the pain becomes acute, reminiscent of symptoms intestinal obstruction.

Polyps in small intestine also grow for a long time without clear symptoms. Patients complain of regular flatulence, abdominal pain, constant nausea. If the tumor is localized at the beginning of the small intestine, attacks of vomiting often occur. Large polyps lead to volvulus, intestinal obstruction, cause bleeding and others acute symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

A polyp in the large intestine grows for a long time unnoticed by the patient. It can form as a result of another gastrointestinal pathology. Polyps in the intestines of this location are in most cases accompanied by the release of mucus and blood from the anus. Several months before the appearance of characteristic clinical manifestations Patients note discomfort in the intestinal area; digestive disorders may appear in the form of alternating diarrhea and constipation.

How to detect intestinal polyps?

In order to identify polypous growths on the intestinal walls, experts use following methods research:

• colonoscopy;
• esophagogastroduodenoscopy;
• endoscopic biopsy;
• computed tomography;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• irrigoscopy;
• sigmoidoscopy;
• histological examination.

For staging accurate diagnosis To determine the number and location of tumors, it is necessary to undergo not one study, but several at once. If specialists do not yet prescribe surgery and choose a wait-and-see approach, regular endoscopic examinations intestinal lumen, during which the condition of the mucous membrane and the quality of the treatment can be assessed.

Features of treatment

Start treating intestinal polyps as early as possible. Conservative therapy used at the preoperative stage to reduce the size of tumors. In most cases, surgery is required. Conservative treatment is also used in the presence of multiple polyps covering the mucous membrane of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Watchful waiting is also used for elderly patients who have contraindications to surgery.

Among the common methods of surgical treatment are the following:

• endoscopic polypectomy;
• transanal removal of formation;
• removal of the polyp during colotomy;
• resection of part or all of the intestine.

Rectal polyps are removed using endoscopy. Microsurgical instruments are inserted through natural openings and, under optical control, a specialist excises the tumors. The collected materials are subject to further detailed study. If specialists detect malignant cells, treatment will be supplemented with chemotherapy.

Endoscopic surgery is often combined with electrocoagulation of the base of the polyp. Since surgery is performed without massive damage, the rehabilitation period is shortened. Patients tolerate endoscopic removal of polyps well, and the risk of recurrence of the pathology if medical recommendations and diet are followed is minimal.

Transanal removal of tumors is carried out with special scissors or a scalpel, after which the mucous tissue is sutured. Such operations are used when it is necessary to remove polyps located close to the anus. Excision is carried out under local anesthesia. For the convenience of the surgeon, the anal canal is expanded using a rectal speculum.

Colonoscopy is used in the presence of wide polyps or polyps localized in the sigmoid colon. The neoplasms are excised along with adjacent mucous tissues, and then sutures are applied. With familial and diffuse polyposis, it is often necessary to perform resection of the entire large intestine. During the operation, specialists connect the end ileum with the anus.

No specialist can guarantee the absence of relapse after polyp removal. All removed tissues are subject to histological examination; during the first years after surgical treatment, patients regularly undergo preventive diagnostics.

It is indicated not only for patients with a history of polyps, but also for all people over the age of 40 years.

Diffuse polyposis

Diffuse polyposis is a hereditary pathology accompanied by multiple lesions of polyps throughout the large intestine and adjacent parts of the digestive tract. The disease most often occurs among relatives of patients with the same pathology. Polyposis leads to the development of colorectal cancer. It is almost impossible to avoid the development of the disease, since it occurs as a result of a mutation in a certain gene responsible for the proliferation of the mucous membrane of the digestive canal. As a result of this defect, rapid growth epithelial tissues with the formation of multiple polyps.

Patients most often learn about the presence of diffuse polyposis in adolescence when abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and others appear characteristic features diseases. Such patients do not gain weight well and often look exhausted. Due to chronic blood loss, anemia develops and the skin becomes pale. The proctologist is able to detect numerous polyps even during a routine rectal examination.

Magnetization of polypous formations occurs in most patients. Treatment is always prompt, and the sooner patients seek help, the lower the risk of developing bowel cancer. At an early stage, resection of the rectum and sigmoid colon is possible. In this case, the sphincter can be preserved. When polyposis is widespread, anastomosis is required. If cancer is detected, a total colectomy is performed, removing the sphincter and creating a stoma in the abdominal wall.

Diet for polyps

The frequency of polyps is directly affected by the nature of nutrition. If the diet is low in fiber and high in foods rich in carcinogens, favorable conditions for mucosal hyperplasia, progression of constipation and damage to the epithelium by feces with its further growth. Do not get carried away with legumes, pickles and smoked meats. These products can provoke an inflammatory process in the digestive tract.

A strict diet for polyps in the intestines is not carried out. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and spicy foods that irritate the mucous membranes. The diet should contain natural fiber. You can get it from vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Fiber, like a sponge, cleanses the intestines and moves feces, preventing constipation. Food should be at a comfortable temperature - warm, but not hot or cold.

• mashed porridge;
• soups with low-fat meat broth;
• non-acidic fruits, boiled vegetables;
• seafood;
• lactic acid drinks, cottage cheese.

Alcohol is contraindicated in any form. Drinking alcohol can cause bleeding and provoke the development of intestinal obstruction with large polyps. It is also recommended to stop smoking, as nicotine and tar contain carcinogenic substances that can cause tissue degeneration.

Prevention

High-quality prevention of intestinal polyps should begin long before they are detected. No one is immune from the development of this disease and the risk of their occurrence cannot be completely excluded. But by following the following recommendations, you can reduce the likelihood of the growth of polypous formations to a minimum:

• follow the rules rational nutrition, consume fried foods containing carcinogens as little as possible;
• increase the amount of plant fiber in your food, fermented milk drinks that support healthy intestinal microflora;
• give up strong ones alcoholic drinks, smoking;
• treat gastrointestinal diseases in a timely manner, fight chronic constipation;
• lead active image life, control your weight;
• don't neglect preventive examinations, upon reaching 40 years of age, regularly carry out intestinal diagnostics using modern techniques.

With polyps in the intestines, meals should be frequent. Eat small meals, but at least every 2-3 hours. In this case, processed food will not stagnate in the intestinal loops for a long time. Particular attention to the prevention of polyposis should be paid to people who have a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of polyps.

Will traditional medicine help?

Many people are interested in whether traditional medicine will help with polyps in the intestines? It is worth immediately noting that polypous growths are serious neoplasms, often complicated colorectal cancer. If the adenomatous polyp or adenopapillary formations are not removed in time, tissue magnetization may occur within several years. That's why folk remedies treatment should only be considered as an adjunct to surgical methods removal of intestinal tumors. Even if the polyp does not show signs of malignancy now, they may appear in a few months or years.

About efficiency traditional medicine there is still debate about polyposis scientific world. Many doctors believe that traditional methods can only be used with for preventive purposes, and polyps must be removed immediately before they become malignant. To use or not traditional methods treatment is up to you to decide.

One of the well-known ways to combat polyps is to use a special mixture based on pumpkin seeds, chicken yolks and vegetable oil. You need to take 12 dessert spoons of pumpkin seeds, grind them into flour, mix with 7 boiled chicken yolks and 2 cups of vegetable oil. The resulting composition must be thoroughly mixed and kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. After this, treatment can begin. The medication is taken in the morning, before meals, for a week. Single dose- 1 teaspoon.

Anal polyps are removed with a mixture of dry celandine powder and boric vaseline. Tampons with this composition are inserted into the anus several times a day. Polyps are also treated with a decoction of hop cones. The product is used for a week, and then take a short break. Bee products are useful for polyposis. Take natural honey regularly, pollen, royal jelly. All these products have increased biological activity, the ability to activate the body’s internal reserve reserves and set it up for recovery.

An intestinal polyp is a slow-growing benign formation on the mucosal surface that grows into the lumen. Such neoplasms can occur in patients of any age and gender. Growths tend to grow and expand, protruding above the mucous membrane in the shape of a ball or oval. An intestinal polyp is classified as a precancerous formation.

Polyposis is a disease characterized by the spread of polyps in organs. The place of occurrence is any hollow organ, but intestinal disease is one of the most common phenomena. Sometimes the reasons for the appearance of tumors remain unclear, but doctors believe that the common cause of the disease is poor nutrition and the presence of gastrointestinal diseases.

Based on the multiplicity factor, the classification identifies the following groups of neoplasms:

• Single growth. The disease is characterized by the formation of one tumor, which in some cases reaches a large size.
• Multiple (group, scattered). Assumes presence large quantity foci of formations on the colon. Capable of growing in groups.
• Diffuse polyposis. The entire surface of the large intestine is susceptible to neoplasms.

Colon polyps are:

• Adenomatous;
• Hyperplastic;
• Hamartomamic;
• Inflammatory. Acute or chronic inflammatory process of the gastrointestinal tract causes tumor-like cell proliferation.

Adenomatous polyps

The term adenomatous polyp is applicable to neoplasms that in structure resemble a benign glandular tumor - an adenoma. Such formations developing on the surface of the large intestine are associated with a high risk of transformation into a malignant tumor. Adenomatous tumors are considered precancerous and development into colon cancer is likely. The growths reach a size of 1 cm and account for up to 10% of all formations. The epithelium of adenomas has signs of dysplasia varying degrees expressiveness.

Adenoma or glandular polyp is usually divided into the following types:

• Tubular - common from the class of adenomotous formations, but their development into a malignant tumor is unlikely. They have a smooth and dense pink color surface.
• Villous - distinguished by the following features: they have a bright red color, the surface is covered with small villi. This type most often degenerates into a malignant tumor.
• Tubular-villous - consisting of elements of tubular and villous tumors.

Hyperplastic type

Most tumors of the hyperplastic type are located in the distal colon and rectum. For the most part, neoplasms are benign in nature and are not prone to transforming into cancer, which does not exclude this possibility altogether. This form of the disease is the most common. The disease occurs with virtually no symptoms. It is possible to discover a polyp by chance during the diagnosis of other diseases.

Hamartoma polyps

They are growths consisting of several types of tissues, the cells of which have lost their normal properties. The disease involves benign tumors that cover the wall of the colon.

Juvenile growths are classified as hamartomatous. Often found in patients under 20 years of age. Usually single, causing bleeding. If there are more than 5 formations in the colon, we can talk about a syndrome called multiple polyposis.

Reasons

In each specific case, it is difficult to determine the cause of the formation of growths. But there are people who, due to their lifestyle, environment, or other factors, can be classified as a risk group. These categories include:

A normal process will be the regular renewal of epithelial cells, which make up the intestinal mucous layer. With uneven regeneration, there is a risk of the formation of local outgrowths.

Symptoms

Regardless of the type of growth, the symptoms accompanying the patient are always the same. Most a common symptom the presence of a formation will cause irritation of the skin in the anal area with aggressive mucus coming out of the colon polyps. Often accompanied by itching and burning. A signal to immediately visit a doctor will be blood in the stool or on the patient’s underwear.

In some cases, the presence of polyps is indicated by disorders of the digestive system. A large tumor-like growth that interferes with the natural movement of hummus through the channel causes constipation and flatulence.

A significant sign of the presence of the disease may be large selection mucus from the anus.

Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, which prevents timely detection pathological process. A small growth does not cause discomfort, a person has no idea about its existence. A specialist can identify a neoplasm using research.

Diagnostics

The section of the intestine in which a neoplasm can occur is any. But most often the disease affects the sigmoid, rectum, colon (left half) of the intestine. The small intestine is the least typical site of localization, with the exception of the duodenum. Recognizing the disease can present some difficulties due to the location of the process. For this reason, they resort to special studies.

Diagnosis of colon polyposis is carried out using a stool occult blood test. This standard method, capable of detecting a malignant tumor of the colon on early stage. The method is not accurate, since the symptom in the form of bloody discharge may be completely absent in the presence of a tumor. A decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood as a result of a TAM study sometimes indicates hidden bleeding in the intestines.

Colonoscopy is the most reliable way to detect tumors in the intestines. It is an endoscopic examination by inserting an endoscope tube through the anus in order to clarify the diagnosis. The tube is inserted into the intestine to a depth of 1 m. When a growth is detected, you need to take a piece of tissue for histological examination. This method examines the lining of an internal organ, which can detect other problems such as cracks and ulcers.

Treatment

Remove tumors surgical method. Conservative therapy is used in the postoperative period.

Diffuse polyposis does not allow for separate removal of each formation and requires removal of the entire infected area of ​​the colon. Especially difficult case provides the ability to remove an internal organ. The risk of relapse is high, so regular examination by a coloproctologist is mandatory.

If the tumor is located up to 10 cm from the anus, transrectal excision of the polyp is possible. The growth is removed, the removal site is sutured.

When tumor-like growth of cells is detected on average and upper section intestines, endoscopic polypectomy is used. Before the operation, the patient is put into medicinal sleep, then the formation is removed using an endoscope or colonoscope.

Loop electroexcision is carried out by inserting a proctoscope into the intestine, then a loop heated by electric current is placed over the formation. Next, the loop is tightened and the polyp is cut off.

Prevention of polyposis

One of the main preventive measures for the disease is diet: eating foods containing fiber, fermented milk products. Drinking plenty of fluids will support the proper metabolic process.

It is important to identify and promptly treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, enteritis, intestinal colitis.

Statistics indicate that 10% of the population over 40 years of age have neoplasms in the colon. The frequency of pathologies in males is 1.5 times higher than the presence of formations in females.

A person must understand that the likelihood of the growth transforming into a malignant tumor is high. That's why timely diagnosis and treatment is a surefire way to avoid major health problems.

The cells of the intestinal mucosa tend to renew themselves regularly. However, in case of dysfunction of the digestive system, especially its lower sections, in the shell of the hollow organ, local outgrowths begin to form - polyps, attached to the wall with the help of a wide base or stalk. These fleshy neoplasms, as a rule, are benign in nature and can number from several to hundreds or even more in one person. In medicine, this pathology is usually called polyposis.

More often, intestinal polyps have a spherical or mushroom-shaped shape, less often a “cauliflower inflorescence”. The size of the growths can also vary: from microscopic sizes to growths that can block the lumen of the intestinal tube. As for the risk group for developing polyposis, it traditionally includes people of mature and elderly age, that is, over 40-50 years old. However, polyps in children are no exception. They usually form between 3 and 6 years of age and rarely require surgical treatment, since in most cases they resolve on their own.

Based on histological and anatomical features intestinal neoplasms, experts distinguish the following types:

1. hyperplastic polyps – they are small in size (up to 5 mm) and are found in patients, usually in distal segment colon;

2. hamartomatous - grow from the remains of embryonic tissues of the small intestine, can reach 4-5 cm in diameter;

3. adenomatous – different both in appearance (villous, smooth) and in size; Moreover, the greater their growth, the more immediate treatment of polyps should be, since this type considered an optional precancerous condition.

Causes of polyposis

Polyps in the lower digestive tract may have various reasons, but usually they result bad habits(smoking, including passive smoking, frequent drinking of strong alcoholic beverages) and poor nutrition ( overuse fried foods, animal fats, highly processed red meat heat treatment). Scientists have also proven that the likelihood of developing intestinal polyposis increases if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle and is obese.

In the background chronic inflammation the walls of the large and small intestines can also form growths. Diseases such as ulcerative proctosigmoiditis and colitis, enteritis, typhoid fever, dysentery. This is confirmed by the fact that after successful treatment Patients with any of the listed diseases experienced complete disappearance of polyps in the intestines.

Another cause of this pathology is considered to be a genetic predisposition. It is this factor that explains the development of polyposis in completely healthy children.

Symptoms in adults

On initial stage polyps do not cause any symptoms because they are small and few in number. Moreover, such neoplasms are difficult to detect conservative methods examinations other than colonoscopy. With the further growth of non-malignant tumors, there is a risk of injury to them by flows of feces. In this case, damage to the integrity of the polyp leads to the release of blood or mucus. Usually the bleeding is minor and is therefore only detected through occult blood tests. Any pain syndrome at this time it is absent or so little expressed that it does not suggest the development of polyposis.

The presence of large polyps in the large and small intestines, on the contrary, can be diagnosed based on the existing symptoms. The patient has:

• pain in the lower abdomen, lumbosacral region and anus;
• blood during bowel movements;
• upset stool for no reason - when talking about this symptom, as a rule, it means long-term (more than a week) and persistent diarrhea;
• signs of anemia ( increased fatigue in combination with headaches, drowsiness, pale skin).

Since intestinal polyposis causes pain in the anus, which intensifies during defecation, these manifestations are often confused with symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Signs in children

If a child has polyps in the intestines, symptoms, like in adults, do not appear immediately. Therefore it is not without reason this pathology discovered accidentally during an endoscopic examination performed for another disease. However, in the case of an inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract, the growth can manifest itself. The most obvious signs of this condition are: frequent urge to the act of defecation, the presence of mucus and/or blood in the stool, a painful tummy, especially its lower section.

Although polyposis in children is diagnosed extremely rarely and even less often becomes malignant, if any of the described signs appear, parents are obliged to take their child to a pediatrician or pediatric proctologist, since without treatment, the development of complications in the form of rectal fissures and inflammation is possible.

No less important is placing under medical supervision a completely healthy child whose close relatives have experienced similar problem. To hereditary factor did not cause the formation of polyps in the intestines, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, doctors advise parents to give their children more foods with coarse fiber to prevent pathology.

Can education cause cancer?

Unfortunately, about 70% of all formations have the ability to become malignant (malignant). At the same time, tubular growths give the most favorable prognosis, while villous polyps, on the contrary, are considered the most dangerous. Separately, it is worth mentioning the influence of size benign tumors on the tendency to degenerate into cancer: the larger the value, the higher the likelihood of cell malignancy. This is why it is so important to treat polyposis as early as possible.

Factors that increase the likelihood of polyps becoming malignant:

• 10-15 years have passed since the first diagnosis;
• the patient has chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• polyposis is diffuse, familial (hereditary) in nature;
• polyps are characterized by the adenomatous variety;
• the patient is over 50 years old.

Diagnostics

Polyps in the rectum, located 10 cm from the anus, are easily diagnosed by proctologists by palpation. Moreover, such a simple method of examination makes it possible to determine not only the exact number of tumors, but also their size, shape, consistency, and the presence/absence of a stalk. To explore large intestine to a slightly greater depth (up to 30 cm from the anus), sigmoidoscopy is used - diagnostics carried out with a special tool in the form of a steel tube with illumination and optics.

To obtain information about the global extent of intestinal damage by polyposis, specialists use colonoscopy. This technique is similar to probing (endoscopy) of the stomach with the only difference that the probe is inserted through the esophagus, making it possible to view top part the digestive canal, and the colonoscope is inserted through the anus, thereby allowing you to see the entire intestinal mucosa.

If the listed methods are not very informative, the following may be recommended to a patient with polyposis:

• magnetic resonance imaging;
• X-ray using contrast.

To diagnose polyps in the intestines, it is also necessary to conduct a biopsy for the purpose of histological examination of the material and donate stool to examine it for occult blood.

Methods of therapy

Cure polyposis by drug therapy impossible, so treatment in this case only means surgery. Based on the location of the tumors and their size, polyps can be removed as follows:

1. transanal method - excision is carried out with a scalpel or scissors, after which sutures are applied to the mucous membrane; the procedure is indicated if there are growths in the rectum no deeper than 7-10 cm from the anus;

2. by the method of endoscopic electroexcision - during medicinal sleep, an endoscope is inserted into the patient’s intestines; when he finds a tumor, a coagulation loop is thrown onto its base, which is subsequently tightened, removing and cauterizing the harmful process;

3. colotomy - removal takes place with access through abdominal cavity; this operation It is rarely used, only when other minimally invasive methods are impossible for some reason. In this case, proctologist surgeons can remove the growths while maintaining the integrity of the intestine or by cutting off part of it (resection).

For some patients surgical treatment polyps may be contraindicated due to the presence of pathologies such as:

• glaucoma;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes mellitus;
• infection;
• cardiovascular diseases requiring the installation of an artificial pacemaker.

In such a situation, when it is impossible to remove the growths surgically, alternative medicine will help cure polyposis. The most effective traditional methods Treatments for polyps today are:

• ingestion of propolis with butter, viburnum juice, honey with horseradish;
• enemas with decoctions of yarrow, celandine, golden mustache, calendula;
• enemas from evaporated urine (urine).

Using these tools, you can slow down the growth of tumors and prevent the formation of new ones, reduce the risk of complications and mitigate unpleasant symptoms polyposis.

Diet and prevention

It is impossible to talk about the full treatment of polyps if the dietary food. Moreover, diet is especially important in postoperative period when the tumors were removed surgically. At this time, the patient is allowed to consume only those foods and dishes that do not have an aggressive effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. For this purpose, the following are prohibited:

• mushrooms;
• fatty meats and fish;
• canned food and marinades with a long shelf life;
• hot, sour sauces;
• all varieties of cabbage and radishes;
• sweets;
• fresh milk;
• coffee, soda, packaged juices.

Despite the exclusion of many dishes from the menu, the diet for polyposis should still be nutritious, rich in minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and vitamins. Therefore, already on the first day after the operation, the patient is recommended to eat soups (mucous) from brown rice or barley in a slightly rich broth, porridge (any kind, but with water), lean boiled fish, jelly from sweet fruits, as well as drink jelly and jelly made from them. compotes.

Prevention of intestinal polyposis is:

• use healthy products with an abundance of fiber and limitation of harmful ones;
• physical activity;
• refusal bad habits– smoking, drinking alcohol in large doses;
• timely and competent treatment of functional and inflammatory diseases intestines;
• undergoing medical examinations.