What Do Colon Polyps Do?

Screening for colon polyps and colon cancer by your gastroenterologist in The Woodlands, Magnolia, and Conroe, TX, can protect your health.

Your colon is an important, but often overlooked part of your gastrointestinal system. Your gastroenterologist can help you take care of your colon by removing colon polyps, and screening for colon cancer.

Dr. Ilyas Memon of Greater Houston Gastroenterology offers comprehensive GI care, including colon polyp and colon cancer screening in The Woodlands, Conroe, and Magnolia, TX, to protect your health. 

Colon polyps are growths that develop on the walls of your colon or in your rectum. Colon polyps develop from cellular genetic mutations in your colon and might be an early indicator of colon cancer.

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing colon polyps, including:

• Smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Being overweight or sedentary
• Eating high amounts of processed foods
• Eating high amounts of red meat
• Having a family history of colon polyps
• Having Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or ulcerative colitis

There are different types of colon polyps:

• Benign polyps, known as hyperplastic polyps, can be easily removed during a colonoscopy.
• Adenoma polyps, which could be early signs of colon cancer, and are diagnosed with a biopsy and treated more aggressively.

Colon polyps and colon cancer are both diagnosed during a colonoscopy, a procedure that can save your life. You should have a colonoscopy if you are over 50 because your chances of developing both colon polyps and colon cancer increase with age.

You should also schedule to see your gastroenterologist if you notice:

• Black, tarry stools, which could indicate blood in your stool
• Continuous or chronic abdominal pain
• Continuous or chronic diarrhea or constipation

To learn more about colon polyps, colon cancer, and other gastroenterology topics, talk with an expert by calling Dr. Memon of Greater Houston Gastroenterology. You can reach us at (281) 783-6459 or (281) 764-9500. Call today for cancer screening in The Woodlands, Conroe, and Magnolia, TX!