How do doctors treat colon polyps?
Doctors treat colon polyps by removing them.
In most cases, doctors use special tools during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to remove colon polyps. After doctors remove the polyp, they send it for tests to check for cancer. ONE pathologist will review the test results and send a report to your doctor. Doctors can remove almost all polyps without surgery.
If you have colon polyps, your doctor will ask you to be tested regularly in the future because you have a higher chance of developing more polyps.
Seek care immediately
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms after he or she removes a colon polyp:
- severe pain in your abdomen
- fever
- bloody feces that doesn’t get better
- bleeding from your anus it doesn’t stop
- dizziness
- weakness
How can I prevent colon polyps?
Scientists do not know a sure way to prevent colon polyps. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing colon polyps.
Eating, diet and nutrition
Eating, diet and nutrition changes — such as eating less red meat and more fruits and vegetables — can reduce your chances of developing colon polyps.
Healthy lifestyle choices
You can make the following healthy lifestyle choices to help lower your chances of developing colon polyps:
Aspirin
Taking a low dose of aspirin every day for a long period of time can help prevent polyps from developing into colon cancer in some people.5 But taking aspirin daily can cause side effects such as bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin daily.
