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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeColon Polyps

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    Definition & Facts
    Colon polyps are growths on the lining of your colon and rectum. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some may develop into cancer over time. Removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer.
two polyps (one flat and one pedunculated) inside the colon

    Symptoms & Causes
    Most people with colon polyps don’t have symptoms. Experts aren’t sure what causes colon polyps. Research suggests that certain factors, such as age and family history, can increase your chances of developing colon polyps.


Diagnosis
    Doctors can find colon polyps only by using certain tests or procedures. Your doctor may take a medical and family history, perform a physical exam, or request a stool test or other tests.

    Treatment
    Doctors treat colon polyps by removing them. Doctors use special tools during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to remove colon polyps.


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    Research suggests eating more fruits, vegetables, and other foods with fiber may lower your chances of developing colon polyps. Losing weight if you’re overweight and not gaining weight if you’re already at a healthy weight may also help prevent polyps.

    Clinical Trials
    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding
    Colon & Rectal Cancer


Related Diagnostic Tests
    Colonoscopy
    Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    Lower GI Series
    Virtual Colonoscopy
        Last Reviewed July 2017

    

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