Polyps — What Do They Mean?
Can finding a polyp save your life? In
some cases, it just might.
Polyps are abnormal growths that
grow in the lining of the colon. Most
polyps are harmless. However, some types
increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
Why Get Screened?
“Unfortunately, most polyps do not produce symptoms. When they do, they can cause bleeding, mucous discharge or diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days,” said gastroenterologist Robert Petrokubi, M.D. In rare cases, abdominal pain also will occur.Since symptoms are not common and the benefits of early detection are so great, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend that adults get screened for polyps beginning at age 50.
Robert Petrokubi, M.D.
Ask your doctor if you should get screened.
To make an appointment for a screening
colonoscopy, call the Colon Cancer Screening
Program, a service of The Physician Group
at Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare,
at (502) 363-4464 .
