Colon polyps left untreated can become a host to the development of colorectal cancer, which, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, is the second most common cancer--asymptomatic in most cases, and deadly. However, many individuals do not have, or avoid regular colonoscopy exams.
Exam
The primary treatment for colon polyps happens during the exam. Depending on whether the doctor elects to conduct a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, the exam tool can also remove any polyps found. The American Cancer Society posits that the tool for some sigmoidoscopies and all colonoscopies--a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera and cutting capability built into the tip--has the ability to treat the situation immediately by removing any questionable growths. With sigmoidoscopy, a physician can only view the lower section of the colon and the rectum.
Removal
According to the College of American Pathologists, removal is relatively quick and easy. The patient may be sedated and is asked to lie to one side on the table. The doctor inserts the tool and begins looking for questionable growths that needs removal and biopsy. With the cutting tool on the end, the doctor is able to snip the polyps out--referred to as a polypectomy. When polyps are exceptionally large or difficult to reach, the doctor will likely opt to do a more invasive procedure call the laparotomy in which a large incision is made through the abdomen to remove the polyp with surgical instruments. In worst-case scenarios, the doctor will order a total resection, which involves removing the entire colon and rectum. In this rather complicated surgical procedure, a pouch is created from the end of the small intestine. The pouch is attached to the anus to allow waste to leave the body, or in some cases, the doctor provides an outlet for a colostomy bag attachment outside of the body. Total resection is often advised for malignant polyps to remove the cancerous tumor from the body. In advanced stages of malignancies, surgery is followed by chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
Follow-Up Care
Proper diet, regular colonoscopies--usually every 3 years--and healthy lifestyle choices, such as moderate exercise, are the most commonly used treatments for follow-up care. However, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, the doctor will make recommendations based on a case-by-case evaluation and suggest more frequent exams and blood tests if needed. Those with a previous malignancy may be required to be evaluated often and continue timely cancer treatments until signs of cancer are no longer present.
