A benign formation located on the inner wall of the intestine is called polyps. They have different sizes, can be single or multiple, in any situation, polyps of the rectum are considered a dangerous pathology that needs to be treated in a timely manner. The disease is accompanied by a variety of symptoms. It is diagnosed in both adults and children. The risk of developing polyps increases with age.
What are polyps? Their species
As mentioned earlier, polyps are multiple growths that can be of various shapes. They belong to benign formations, in the absence of therapy they develop into cancer. They grow from the walls of the intestine, more precisely from its mucosa. There are with long and short legs. Polyps have a soft consistency.
According to the ICD, the polyp of the rectum is encrypted K62.1. This formation, although growing from the intestinal epithelium, has a completely different type of tissue inside. In modern medicine, these types of polyps are distinguished:
- Fibrous. This type of formation consists of connective tissue, and is located in places of previous inflammatory processes. In most cases, they do not degenerate into malignant tumors. They can become inflamed and suppurate.
- Adenomatous. This type of formation consists of glandular tissue. There is a movable leg, which can be up to 30 mm thick. It can degenerate into oncology.
- Villous. This type of formation has an elongated or round growth. The surface is velvety. Polyp soft consistency, amenable to injury, may bleed. It is reborn into oncology.
- Multiple. These formations may be of mixed type.
- Diffuse polyposis. Formations grow in whole groups throughout the intestinal surface.
In any situation, after a thorough examination, polyps are removed in the rectum. The method is chosen by a specialist.
Provocative factors
The exact causes of polyps have not yet been established, but provocative factors that can lead to their spread in the rectum are highlighted. These include:
- Disturbed and improper nutrition. If the patient often consumes fried, fatty foods, mainly animal fats, a minimal amount of fiber is present in the diet, then with time polyps of the rectum form.
- Gastrointestinal tract diseases of a chronic type. Most experts are of the opinion that these formations cannot appear on healthy tissue. Inflammatory processes that provoke the rapid aging of the epithelium contribute to their formation.
- Constipation of a permanent nature.
- Tobacco, alcohol, overeating.
- Heredity.
- Insignificant activity. Sedentary activity or refusal of an active lifestyle can provoke the development of this disease.
In most cases, polyps are diagnosed in patients older than 45-50 years.
Polyps in the rectum - symptoms
Wherever these formations are located, their development is accompanied by appropriate symptoms. It is worth considering the fact that the initial stage of the pathology is not accompanied by pronounced signs, including pain or discomfort.
After the growth of polyps in the intestine, as well as their increase in size, the patient begins to notice such symptoms:
- Periodic pain in the anus.
- Pain and discomfort during bowel movements.
- Feces with blood.
- Constipation.
As for the symptoms in children, it is much more difficult to recognize. This is due to the fact that blood secretions can occur with other pathologies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, in order to accurately establish the diagnosis, you need to undergo a thorough examination, on the basis of which therapy is prescribed. If the situation is too neglected, then surgery is performed.
Diagnostics
Without fail, the specialist collects an anamnesis, draws attention to the symptoms and associated pathologies, bad habits. Then he palpates the anus. This type of study helps to identify or rule out other diseases in this area, for example, hemorrhoids. In men, during palpation, you can simultaneously study the state of the prostate.
Sigmoidoscopy is also performed, which refers to the instrumental method of research. Helps to inspect the internal walls of the intestine within 20-23 cm from the beginning of the anus. In most cases, polyps are located in the rectum or in the sigmoid colon.
Such methods of research of rectal polyps can be prescribed to a patient, such as:
- Colonoscopy Helps to carefully examine the condition of the large intestine. This method is considered informative and optimal for detecting these types of formations. As a result of the study, the mucous surface is also studied, other pathologies of this area are revealed. During colonoscopy, parallel removal of polyps can be performed using a special electrode that has a tip - a loop. She throws herself on the process and cuts off the polyp. Then the area is cauterized. Then education is investigated on histology.
- Irrigosocpy. Helps identify polyps larger than 10 mm, which can be located in the upper part of the colon.
- X-ray examination. A contrast agent is used.
As for the biopsy, then with rectal polyps, it is not prescribed.
Differential diagnosis
In most cases, this pathology is differentiated with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. These include such deviations:
- Lipoma. It is located in the right half of the colon, can spread throughout the area. Gradually becomes large, located in the submucosal layer.
- Non-epithelial neoplasms. Tumors of this type do not have large stems. These include: myoma and angioma.
- Actinomycosis of the colon.
- Crohn's disease. It is possible to identify a deviation of this type during an X-ray examination.
The main importance in this type of diagnosis is given to a histological examination, which is assigned to the patient after a thorough examination of a specialist. Examinations are carefully selected for children so as not to harm the young body. Do not engage in self-diagnosis. Also, if necessary, a specialist stool tests are prescribed to detect the presence of blood in the masses.
The danger of polyps
These types of neoplasms can lead to serious complications and pose a threat to life. Why are they dangerous?
- Rebirth in a malignant tumor. In most cases, adenomas can develop into cancer. It is the villous adenomatous polyps with multiple processes and a broad base that are considered aggressive, as they contribute to the rapid spread of malignant cells.
- Intestinal obstruction. If the patient has symptoms of polyps in the rectum, treatment is necessary. This is due to the fact that the significant size of the formation leads to stagnation of feces, as a result, intoxication of the body, dehydration due to disturbances in the electrolyte balance. If you abandon therapy, this will lead to tissue necrosis, stool in the abdominal cavity, then to peritonitis and death.
- Acute enterocolitis. It develops due to the constantly irritated intestinal wall, where ulcers gradually form, an inflammatory process occurs. It is accompanied by severe symptoms.
- Paraproctitis.
- Violation of the stool and the formation of fecal stones.
- Anemia. It occurs due to constant loss of blood.
Also, the patient may experience cracks in the rectum, which appear due to problems with the stool.
Surgical treatment
Treatment of polyps in the rectum is mandatory, regardless of the size of the formation. The operation is prescribed after the examination, endoscopic equipment is used. Previously, the patient may be offered an anesthetic, but the procedure itself is not accompanied by pain. Removal involves the insertion of an endoscope into the anus. The device has a loop electrode, which captures, pinches and cuts off the leg of the polyp in the rectum. The operation is carried out in stages if the size of the formation is large.
To exclude the inflammatory process or infection, cauterization is performed after surgery. For this, the electrocoagulation method is used. As for tissue injury, with this method of treatment it is minimal, and the scar is practically absent.
If the patient is diagnosed with polyposis, the process is complicated. Partial removal of the affected intestine may be performed. After the intervention, a recovery period is always required, which involves taking medications and maintaining a healthy and healthy diet.
Treatment without intervention
Treatment of polyps without surgery involves getting rid of unpleasant symptoms, but not from the problem itself. It is impossible to eliminate the formation in the intestines with the help of traditional medicine or drugs, it is only possible to aggravate the situation, since the polyp will grow and grow into a malignant tumor.
To get rid of symptoms, it is recommended to use special ointments and gels, which are prescribed exclusively by a specialist. They help eliminate pain and heal the damaged surface of the polyp. Dosage and course depends on the neglect of the situation.
The consequences of the operation
After removal of the rectal polyp, the patient should be under the supervision of a specialist for some time, undergo endoscopy again to exclude relapse. If the lesions were not detected within two years after the operation, then a colonoscopy is performed every three years.
If it was revealed that the polyp had cancer cells, resection of the affected part of the intestine is immediately carried out. In most cases, preventive deletion of these formations is prescribed. As for complications after the intervention, they include bleeding that occurs in patients for 8-10 days.
Treatment with folk remedies
If a patient has been diagnosed with a small rectal polyp, folk remedies can be used, but under the supervision of a specialist. Most often, it is recommended to use decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs:
- Infusion from the common reposhka. For cooking, you need to take 30 g of herbs and 0.2 liters of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Infuse the broth for 50-65 minutes, then cool and strain. Take three times a day, 100 ml half an hour before a meal.
- Decoction of viburnum berries. For cooking, you need to take 30 g of berries and 0.3 liters of boiling water, simmer for 10-20 minutes. Cool the broth, strain and take 100 ml three times a day.
- A decoction of celandine. For cooking, you need to take 15 g of raw materials and pour 250 ml of boiling water, boil over low heat for 10-20 minutes. Cool and strain. Take 30 g twice a day half an hour before a meal.
Other means, such as camphor oil, may also be used. Prescribe and enemas from decoctions of herbs.
Preventive actions
There is no specific prophylaxis. Advise to adhere to the main recommendations:
- Eat properly. It is necessary to refuse fatty, fried and other junk food, as well as sweets, muffins, fast food, soda, strong coffee, smoked meats. Use more fiber.
- Drink fluids as much as possible.
- Include whole grain bread, bran and vegetable oil in the diet.
- It is necessary to abandon the use of alcoholic beverages, smoking.
- Refuse overeating.
- Conduct timely treatment and examination.
- Move more.
If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle, then diseases will never disturb you.