7 Symptoms of Colon Polyps

The colon is a complex organ that serves as the final stage of your digestive process. Colon cells are generally programmed to grow and die at a specific set rate, but sometimes this natural progression of cell growth in the colon lining can become abnormal, leading to mutated colon cells. These cells then clump together to form polyps.While these clumps of abnormal cells are definitely unnatural and shouldn't occur in the first place, in most cases they are harmless. Sometimes, however, these polyps can metastasize into cancer, which is why it's so important that you keep an eye out for the symptoms of colon polyps. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms on this list, you may suffer from colon polyps.

1. Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is when blood is emitted from the anus with or without a bowel movement. This is one of the more alarming symptoms that is commonly associated with colon polyps, but rectal bleeding is not necessarily a sign that you have abnormal growths in your colon. Rectal bleeding is also a common sign of hemorrhoids and can also occur if you experience a tear in your anus.If your rectum is bleeding, it is usually the best choice to consult with your physician immediately. In the case of minor anal tears, however, the bleeding will usually stop quickly, so you may want to wait 12-24 hours before seeing your doctor to see if the bleeding will stop on its own. If your rectum continues to bleed for more than 24 hours, however, it is probable that you are suffering from colon polyps and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.Your doctor will likely perform a colonoscopy to determine where the blood is coming from. If it is discovered that you have colon polyps, common treatments include using a forceps or wire loop to remove the polyps. If your polyps have reached advanced stages, a laparoscope is commonly used to remove the polyps.Next