User:Mr. Ibrahem/Colorectal polyp

A colorectal polyp is a abnormal growth occurring within the lining of the colon or rectum. Symptoms may vary from none, to blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, or abdominal pain. Bleeding is generally minor and non-visible in the stool. Untreated, complications may include colorectal cancer.

The cause may include inflammatory bowel disease or a number of genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, though most arise spontaneously. Risk factors include alcohol, high fat diet, and smoking. They may be benign, precancerous, or cancerous. They can also be divided into adenomatous (65%) and nonadenomatous. Diagnosis is generally by colonoscopy.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk. Treatment involves removal. However about a third of people will develop further polyps. Aspirin may decrease this risk. Colorectral polyps affect about 25% of adults in the US. They are more common in males than females and become more common with age.