Gastrointestinal Polyps
What are polyps?
Gastrointestinal polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that project into the lumen (hollow space) of the digestive tract. They are most commonly found in the large intestine (colon and rectum). While most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), some types, particularly adenomas, are precancerous and can develop into cancer over time. Polyps in the gastrointestinal tract require expert evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk of cancer developing in the future.
Symptoms and signs
Polyps often cause no symptoms and are typically discovered during a screening colonoscopy. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Rectal bleeding (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool)
Change in bowel habits (e.g., persistent constipation or diarrhoea)
Changes in stool colour (e.g., black or tarry stool due to bleeding)
Iron deficiency anaemia (due to slow, persistent blood loss)
How are polyps diagnosed and investigated?
Polyps are primarily diagnosed and assessed through endoscopic procedures:
Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard for detecting polyps in the colon and rectum. It allows for direct visualisation and immediate removal (polypectomy).
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines only the lower part of the large bowel, which may be appropriate in certain scenarios.
Capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy: Rarely used for colon polyps, but may be used to identify polyps in the small intestine.
After removal, the polyp tissue is sent for pathology analysis to determine the type and assess for any cancerous changes.
Treatment and management of polyps
The main treatment for polyps is their removal, a procedure called polypectomy, which is performed during a colonoscopy. Removing polyps prevents them from turning into cancer.
Polypectomy: Small polyps can be removed with snares or forceps. Larger or more complex polyps may require advanced techniques such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) or Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), which Dr Selvanderan can perform safely due to his extensive training.
Surveillance: After polyp removal, a surveillance colonoscopy plan is recommended based on the number, size, and pathology of the polyps found. This ensures any new polyps are detected and removed early.
High-quality screening and expert management of polyps
Dr Shane Selvanderan specialises in high-quality colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening and surveillance. He also has advanced training in removing complex and large polyps using advanced techniques like EMR and ESD, which can avoid the need for surgery.