During a routine health check-up, a gentleman in his fifties was unexpectedly told that several small polyps had been found in his large intestine. The news surprised and worried him at the same time, as he had always considered his eating habits to be quite healthy. However, doctors explain that polyps are fairly common in middle-aged and elderly people and do not always cause serious problems immediately. However, the next message the gentleman heard made him realize an important fact: although many polyps may never cause serious health problems, some types of polyps do have a risk of becoming cancerous if left untreated.
Polyps, a term used in the medical community to refer to fleshy growths that protrude from the surface of tissues in the body. Although most polyps are benign, their presence should not be underestimated, as some types have the potential to transform into malignancy. Knowing the basics, types of polyps, and why they deserve our attention is health knowledge that everyone should know.
The nature and classification of polyps
In medicine, polyps can be seen as a broad term that encompasses various types of growths. They are mainly found in the digestive tract, especially in the colon and rectumHowever, it can also appear in the nasal cavity, larynx, uterus, bladder, etc. Based on their morphological and biological properties, polyps can be classified into the following main types:
Adenomatous polyps: These polyps contain glandular tissue and are one of the most common types and the main ones that transform into colon cancer.
Inflammatory polyps: These are often associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Villous polyps: They have a specific "villous" appearance and have a relatively high risk of becoming cancerous.
Why polyps are a cause for concern
Although many polyps don't cause noticeable symptoms, their presence can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Adenomous polyps, in particular, are considered an important precancerous condition due to their potential to progress to colon cancer. Identifying and removing these polyps in a timely manner can significantly reduce the risk of cancer development.
Mechanism of occurrence: More than just genetics
The formation of polyps is influenced by a variety of factors, one of which is genetic predisposition, but the influence of lifestyle cannot be ignored. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol abuse are all thought to be linked to the formation of polyps. This means that by improving our lifestyle, we can control the risk of polyps to a certain extent.
Polyps, although small, are a hidden danger of big problems. Whether these seemingly harmless growths can evolve into deadly cancers in the digestive tract has been the focus of medical and public attention. Different types of polyps have significant differences in the probability of becoming cancerous, and understanding this is crucial for prevention and prevention.
The Possibility of Carcinogenesis: A Scientific Perspective
The risk of polyps becoming cancerous depends on a number of factors, including their type, size, number, and genetic background. Adenomous polyps, especially those larger than 1 cm with villous structures, have a relatively high risk of becoming cancerous. Cytological features, such as dysplasia, are also key factors in carcinogenesis. However, not all polyps are indicative of cancer. Through endoscopy and regular monitoring, these risks can be effectively managed and the incidence of cancer can be reduced.
Adenomatous polyps: early cutting and early safety
Adenomous polyps are one of the most common and the most closely associated with colorectal cancer. When these polyps grow to a certain size, or exhibit specific pathological features such as high atypia, their risk of becoming cancerous increases significantly. For these polyps, doctors usually recommend removal and pathological tests to determine if there are signs of cancer.
Villous adenoma: a high-risk killer
Villous adenomas, so named because their surface is covered with soft villous tissue, are another high-risk polyp. It is characterized by rapid growth and a high degree of carcinogenesis. Villous adenomas can develop into cancer without any symptoms, so early diagnosis and removal are crucial.
Inflammatory polyps: a signal that should not be ignored
Although inflammatory polyps themselves are less likely to become cancerous, their appearance is often associated with a chronic inflammatory state that increases the risk of bowel cancer. Particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, inflammatory polyps may indicate broader pathological changes that require close monitoring.