What are polyps and should I worry?

By: Dr. Thomas Incledon

Polys are a clump of cells in your body. They can occur in different locations in your body. There are 2 common types of polyps: pedunculated (hanging) and sessile (flat). Polyps themselves are not cancerous. Some polyps are benign and will not turn into cancer; others can become cancerous. Their location, why they developed, and how long they are in your body can all play a role in a polyp becoming cancerous.

In the colon, polyps are extremely common. More than half of the adults in the United States will develop one of two typical types of colon polyps:

• Hyperplastic polyps, are small and grow near the end of the colon. These polyps very rarely develop into cancer.
• Adenomatous polyps are more common and can slowly turn into cancer.  

A third type of colon polyps is known as malignant polyps, and are already cancerous when found. In this case, proper treatment for your case with a reputable care provider should begin quickly.

How do you get polyps?

While the cause of developing polyps is fairly unknown, some people are at a higher risk for polyps:

• Adults over 50
• Those who are overweight
• Individuals with a family history of polyps or colon cancer
• People with Type 2 diabetes
• Those who suffer from an inflammatory condition of the colon such as Crohn’s disease
• Individuals who smoke, are sedentary, and who frequently drink alcohol
• People who eat a diet high in fat

While most polyps are not dangerous, it is a concern when you have any mass in your body. Often, polyps are benign tissue, but having regular colonoscopies can help screen for potentially cancerous cells in these masses.

Can you remove them?

During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove small polyps or send pieces of larger ones to the lab for a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous. Stage IV colon cancer is difficult to effectively treat, so preventative measures like screening for and removing polyps can increase your odds of long-term health.

The issue of polyps is consistent with other masses in your body for Dr. Tom Incledon, founder and CEO of Causenta. People should be aware of what is in their bodies and what they are putting in their bodies so that they can properly treat anything that may arise and prevent as many things as possible.

If you are interested in learning more about colon cancer treatment with Causenta, schedule a free 30-minute consultation. You can also hear more from Dr. Tom regarding colon cancer by listening to his podcast series “Ask Dr. Tom.”

About the Author

Dr. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Causenta Wellness and the Causenta Cancer Treatment Center in Arizona. From working with the NFL, MLB, MMA, World Class athletes, and even the White House, his reputation for personalized medicine and cutting-edge technologies has put him on the map, caring for some of the most powerful people in the world, making him one of the most sought-after healthcare professionals of all time.