However, some larger polyps can cause: a small amount of rectal bleeding (blood in your stool) mucus to be produced when you open your bowels. diarrhoea or constipation.
They're often picked up during screening for bowel cancer. But some larger polyps can cause: a small amount of slime (mucus) or blood in your poo (rectal bleeding) diarrhoea or constipation.
You might not know you have a polyp until your health care provider finds it during an exam of your colon. However, some people with colon polyps may have: Change in bowel habits. Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than a week may mean the presence of a larger colon polyp or cancer.
Common Symptoms of Colon Polyps
Changes in Stool Color – Blood can wind up in your stool, often causing your stool to appear black or much darker in color. Anemia and Iron Deficiency – Colon polyps that bleed can lead to iron deficiency, resulting in fatigue and shortness of breath.
Colon polyps and diverticulitis have similar symptoms that include: Abdominal pain. Bloating. Constipation.
Certain inflammatory polyps can lead to Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel disease (IBS) which all increase the risk of cancer.
If your polyps do cause symptoms, you may experience: Bleeding from your rectum. Blood in your stool, which can show up as red streaks or make your stool look black. Fatigue, usually from anemia and a lack of iron in your body.
Polyps inside the colon or large intestine are most often asymptomatic but, may occasionally cause rectal bleeding, fatigue (due to anemia) and chronic constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than a week.
When stool passes in the form of soft blobs with defined edges, it's slightly loose. It's common for people who have bowel movements two to three times a day. This type of bowel movement usually follows major meals. Soft, blob-shaped poop quickly passes without any strain or effort.
Inflammatory polyps are often found in inflammatory diseases of the colonic mucosa, such as UC in remission, and they may produce symptoms of pain[2] and obstruction[3], especially giant polyps[4].
Most cancers in the colon or rectum develop from polyps, so screening to find and remove them when they first form helps prevent them from growing into cancers. If early-stage colorectal cancer does cause symptoms, early warning signs may include sudden weight loss and/or narrow, ribbon-like stools.
Most polyps do not cause symptoms. When they do, the most common symptom is bleeding from the rectum. A large polyp may cause cramps, abdominal pain, obstruction, or intussusception.
However, when they start growing too fast or larger than usual, they could turn into cancer. If you notice any changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, bleeding from the rectum, or abdominal pain, see your doctor for an examination and schedule colorectal cancer screening immediately.
Foods to limit
Research suggests that eating less of the following foods may have health benefits and may lower your chances of developing polyps: fatty foods, such as fried foods. red meat, such as beef and pork. processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats.
Large polyps can obstruct the bowel and cause abdominal pain or cramping. Bleeding.
Patients with colonic polyps are more anxious and depressed than other patients referred for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Psychotropic medication use is highest among patients with an organic abnormality in the proximal gastrointestinal tract.
Most women feel better within the first week following surgery; however, do not lift, push or pull any heavy objects for a couple of weeks.
People who have had certain types of polyps removed during a colonoscopy. Most of these people will need to get a colonoscopy again after 3 years, but some people might need to get one earlier (or later) than 3 years, depending on the type, size, and number of polyps.
Polyps and Weight Gain
While it's true that being overweight can be a risk factor for developing uterine polyps1, does the presence of polyps cause weight gain or bloating? It appears that other growths of the female reproductive system can cause weight gain and bloating more often than polyps.
You may feel a sudden cramp in your abdomen, particularly on the lower left side. You may also experience: Abdominal pain. Spasms can be painful, especially if they are severe.