What Happens if a Polyp That is Removed Contains Cancer?
Polyps are small growths found in various body parts, including the colon. While most polyps are harmless, some can contain cancerous cells, which can cause concern for many individuals. In this blog post, we will explore what happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer and what steps you can take to address this potentially serious issue. Join us as we explore the importance of understanding and managing these findings for your health and well-being.
What are Polyps?
Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can develop in various body parts, including the colon, stomach, uterus, and nose. While most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), some may harbor cancer cells or become cancerous over time.
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other body parts. When a polyp contains cancer cells, it is known as a malignant polyp or polyp with malignancy.
Symptoms
In many cases, polyps do not cause any symptoms and may go undetected until they are found during routine screenings or while investigating other health issues. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include bleeding from the rectum (blood in stool), changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea or vomiting.
If a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) taken during a screening test shows that a polyp contains cancer cells, it means that there is already an early stage of colon cancer present. This does not necessarily mean that you have advanced cancer or require extensive treatment immediately. Catching it at this stage gives you better chances for successful treatment.
Types of Polyps and Their Risk for Cancer
Polyps are abnormal growths that can develop in various body parts, including the colon and rectum. While most polyps are harmless, some may contain cancer cells. Several types of polyps can occur in the colon, and each type carries a different risk of developing cancer.
1. Adenomatous Polyps
Also known as adenomas, adenomatous polyps are the most common type of colon polyp. They account for about 70% of all colorectal polyps and may vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Compared to other types of polyps, adenomatous polyps have a higher potential to develop into colon cancer. Studies have shown that approximately 5% of adenomas will eventually progress to become cancerous if left untreated.
2. Hyperplastic Polyps
Hyperplastic polyps comprise about 15-20% of all colorectal polyps and tend to be smaller than adenomas. These non-cancerous growths usually do not pose any significant health risks and rarely develop into cancer. Hyperplastic polyps are the most common type of polyp found in the colon. They are typically small in size (less than 5mm) and have a smooth surface. These polyps are usually benign and do not develop into cancer. However, studies have shown that certain factors such as location, size, and number of hyperplastic polyps may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
3. Serrated Polyps
Serrated polyps, named after their saw-toothed appearance under a microscope, are less common than adenomas or hyperplastic polyps. However, they have been linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially if they are larger than 1 cm. They are typically found in the proximal colon (right side). People with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome are at a higher risk of developing sessile serrated polyps.
What happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer?
If a polyp removed during a colonoscopy contains cancer cells, it suggests that cancer may have already started to develop in the colon. In this case, further treatment may be needed to remove any remaining cancerous cells and prevent the cancer from spreading. Treatment options may include surgery to remove a portion of the colon, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy, depending on the extent and stage of the cancer. It’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
How Polyps are Removed During a Colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, polyps are commonly removed as a preventive measure against potential colorectal cancer. This procedure is known as polypectomy and involves the removal of abnormal growths in the lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous, there is always a risk that they could contain cancer cells.
The first step in removing a polyp during a colonoscopy is identifying its presence. The gastroenterologist will use a long, thin flexible tube with a camera attached to it, called a colonoscope, to examine the inner lining of the colon and locate any abnormalities. If a polyp is found, various methods can be used to remove it depending on its size and location.
For small polyps less than 5mm in diameter, using biopsy forceps during the colonoscopy to grasp and pull out the entire polyp may be sufficient. However, for larger or harder-to-reach polyps, other techniques, such as snaring or hot biopsy, may be used. Snaring involves using wire loops to capture and cut off larger polyps from their base while hot biopsy uses heat energy to burn off smaller ones. Once the polyp has been removed, it will be sent for further testing by a pathologist, who will examine it under a microscope for any signs of cancer cells. The results typically take about one week to come back.
If the pathology report reveals that cancer cells were present in the removed polyp, further steps will need to be taken depending on the advancedness of the cancer. In some cases, where early-stage cancer was detected and completely removed during the colonoscopy, no further treatment may be needed other than regular follow-up screenings.
However, if more advanced stages of cancer are found in the removed tissue or if multiple large or aggressive-looking polyps were identified during the initial colonoscopy exam but not removed, additional treatment may be necessary. This could include surgery to remove the affected part of the colon or rectum, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
It is essential to note that just because a polyp contains cancer cells does not necessarily mean that the patient has colorectal cancer. Removing these abnormal growths can be seen as a life-saving measure, as it prevents the progression of cancer and allows for early detection and treatment. While finding out that a polyp removed during a colonoscopy contains cancer can be alarming, it is crucial to remember that early detection and removal are key in preventing colorectal cancer. Regular screenings and follow-ups with your doctor are essential in maintaining good colon health and catching any potential issues early on.
Treatment Options for Polyps with Cancer
Treatment options for polyps with cancer depend on several factors, including the size and location of the polyp, as well as the stage and type of cancer present. In most cases, the first step in treating a polyp with cancer is to remove it entirely through a procedure called a polypectomy. This involves using specialized tools to cut or snare the polyp from its base.
If the polyp is small and hasn’t spread beyond its original site, a simple endoscopic polypectomy may be needed. During this procedure, an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached – is inserted into the rectum to view and remove the polyp. In some cases, this can be done during a routine colonoscopy.
However, if the polyp is larger or has spread into deeper layers of tissue, more extensive treatment may be necessary. This could involve surgical removal of part of the colon or rectum (partial colectomy), which may also include nearby lymph nodes to check for any signs of cancer spread. In rare cases where surgery isn’t possible due to other health conditions or advanced age, alternative treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. These treatments use high-energy beams or drugs to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Endoscopic mucosal resection is another option for treating large or complex polyps (EMR). This technique involves injecting fluid under the colon’s lining near the polyp to lift it away from surrounding tissue before removing it with special instruments. After any treatment for a cancerous polyp, further follow-up will be necessary to monitor for recurrence and ensure that no other areas have been affected by cancerous cells. Regular surveillance colonoscopies will likely be recommended based on individual risk factors and overall health status. It’s important to note that while most people diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer have an excellent chance of recovery, the key to successful treatment is early detection and prompt intervention. Therefore, it’s crucial to attend regular colorectal cancer screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
There are various treatment options available for polyps with cancer, depending on individual circumstances. Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of a full recovery. If you have been diagnosed with a polyp-containing cancer, discuss all available treatment options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.
Health Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-if-a-polyp-that-is-removed-contains-cancer
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-happens-if-a-polyp-that-is-removed-contains-cancer-8643763
