8 questions about colon polyps

1. Polyps are swellings of the mucous membrane. They vary in size from a pinknot to a golf ball of several centimeters. What can be done about it?

1. Are colon polyps common?

1. "Polyps, a painless proliferation of the intestinal mucosa, vary in size and shape: from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. About 9 percent of people over 50 have a large polyp, according to Dutch research. There are patients with only one polyp, others have several. "

2. How do they arise?

1. "We don't know. And we don't know why some people get them and others don't. It is clear that a certain lifestyle increases the risk of colon polyps. The main risk factors are smoking, too little exercise and obesity. "

3. Can they hurt?

1. "The vast majority of polyps are and remain benign. But about 5 percent can eventually develop into colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, we cannot see from the outside whether a polyp is malignant. That is why we take them all away just in case. "

4. What do you notice about colon polyps?

1. "Usually nothing. If someone does get symptoms, it may be blood or mucus in the stool, changes in the stool pattern, irregular bowel movements, stomach pain and unexplained weight loss. Mind you, all these problems can also come from other, often harmless, ailments. "

5. When should you take it to the doctor?

1. "If you notice blood in your stools, it is wise to make an appointment immediately. For the other complaints, it is advisable to see a doctor if they are longer than last for two weeks. "

6. How does the removal work?

1. "If a visual study shows that there are polyps in the colon, they are immediately removed. This is painless. Then the doctor sends the tissue to a laboratory to determine what kind of type of polyp and whether further treatment is needed. "

7. If they are taken away, will they stay away?

1. "That is certainly the intention. And if it is done carefully, it is. Sometimes, however, removal can be difficult, for example with a very flat polyp. , then a new polyp can grow out of it later. "

8. Since 2014, there has been a national bowel cancer screening program. Why was this decided?

1. "Colon cancer always starts with a polyp. By removing polyps preventively, it is possible to detect the cancer early - at an easily treated stage - or even completely. But because they often do not cause any symptoms, you can have polyps without knowing it. For example, many people still die of colorectal cancer every year. That is why all Dutch people between the ages of 55 and 75 receive a call every two years to feces. If traces of blood are found there, we will carry out a follow-up investigation into the cause. " This article was written in collaboration with internist Prof. Dr. James Hardwick, professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, specializing in the early detection and treatment of colon cancer.

2. "Colon cancer always starts with a polyp. By removing polyps preventively, it is possible to detect the cancer early - at an easily treated stage - or even completely. But because they often give no symptoms, you can have polyps without knowing it. For example, many people still die of colorectal cancer every year. That is why all Dutch people between the ages of 55 and 75 receive a call every two years to feces. If traces of blood are found there, we will carry out a follow-up investigation into the cause. " This article was written in collaboration with internist Prof. Dr. James Hardwick, professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, specialized in the early detection and treatment of colon cancer.