Colorectal Polyps in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat are colon polyps?
Polyps, occasionally known as colorectal polyps, are a common condition present in adult individuals. The label “colorectal” includes the colon and the rectum. Several health situations that include the colon tend to include the rectum, which is the reason they are many times referenced together. A colon polyp is a polyp that exists in either the rectum or the colon. A colon polyp is a mass comprised of cells on the lining of the rectum or colon.
Polyps alone are commonly harmless and do not cause symptoms. However, colon and rectal polyps should be addressed since they can, after a time, become cancerous. To obtain a diagnosis for colon polyps, the GI physicians at GI Alliance of Illinois routinely perform colonoscopy services. Please contact our facility to schedule a colonoscopy in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Bloomington, IL.
What are the causes of colon polyps?
Colon polyps come to be when cells divide or grow more than what would be the norm. The medical community remains without proof as to the reasons this happens, regardless, there are correlations and risk factors that are associated with people who have colorectal polyps. Request an appointment with our GI providers at GI Alliance of Illinois for more information.
Some of the risk factors for colon polyps in Illinois patients include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Having a family or personal history of colorectal polyps
- Type 2 diabetes
- Crohn's disease
- Smoking
- Being over 45 years of age
- Ulcerative colitis
- “Typical Western diet” (low fiber, high fat)
- High consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
Inherited genetic conditions can elevate a person's risk of having colon polyps. Such conditions include:
- Gardner’s syndrome
- MYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
- Serrated polyposis syndrome
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
What are the common symptoms of colorectal polyps?
Some instances of colon or rectal polyps do not manifest with symptoms. If symptoms are being experienced, some of the most prevalent indications of colorectal polyps include:
- Blood in the stool
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea (lasting for more than seven days)
If you are experiencing any combination of the previously mentioned symptoms, are 45 years of age or greater, or have a family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer and are in the Illinois area, reach out to our staff at GI Alliance of Illinois about screening for colon cancer.
What does it mean if a doctor identifies polyps during a colonoscopy?
It is common to detect polyps during a colonoscopy in Illinois, and often, polyps are not cancerous (benign). Polyps identified through a colonoscopy will often be removed during the course of your colonoscopy (polypectomy) and evaluated for cancer. If your colon polyps are determined to be non-malignant, then your doctor might recommend regular screenings for colon cancer in the future. If any polyp is diagnosed as malignant (cancerous), you and your GI Alliance of Illinois doctor will discuss the appropriate next steps.
The most common way to address colon polyps is by removing them during a colonoscopy at GI Alliance of Illinois. During a colonoscopy (or flexible sigmoidoscopy), polyps in the rectum and colon can be removed as a part of a procedure known as a polypectomy. In extreme cases, a part of or all of your rectum or colon may require removal.
Get treatment for colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps can be identified, removed, and assessed for cancer at a routine colonoscopy procedure. As a physician-led group of gastrointestinal specialists, GI Alliance of Illinois strives to provide a patient-centric experience. To discover more about colon and rectal polyps and how they may be detected and removed, please reach out to our gastroenterology office in Illinois today.
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My 1st colonoscopy and I can’t wait to come back! So much easier than what I thought thanks to Dr. Shapiro and his team. Prompt, polite, and they even made me laugh.
Dr. Wu was personable and friendly. He kept me informed on each step of the procedure. He also has a great sense of humor. I would recommend him.
Dr. Treanor was very kind before and after the procedure. I feel he was very efficient and did a great job.
I have been seeing Dr. Blumenstein for over 10 years. He has been professional, patient, and thorough. I appreciate his consistency in following up with me and his caring bedside manner.
Dr. Robinson is awesome! He takes time and listen to your concerns and answers question without rushing you through the appointment.
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