In my years of medical practice, I have encountered countless heart-wrenching moments, but there are also many comforting twists. Among these stories, the diagnosis and treatment of polyps is particularly impressive. Many people have a mistaken attitude towards polyps, believing that they are not painful, itchy and harmless. However, as a doctor who has long been involved in the treatment of digestive disorders, I must tell you: some types of polyps are "close relatives" of cancer, and their neglect can lead to serious consequences.
Let me share a real case about a 50-year-old patient whom we call Mr. Zhang. Mr. Zhang is a very work-oriented person who neglects some subtle changes in his body for a long time. One day, he came to our hospital with a slight gastrointestinal upset. After a series of tests, including a colonoscopy, we found multiple polyps in his large intestine. While most people may not be too worried about this, our further pathology analysis revealed that one of the polyps was already showing signs of early cancer. Fortunately, these polyps were detected and removed in time, and Mr. Zhang avoided possible deterioration.
Reasons why cancer patients choose to run
When faced with such a life-threatening disease as cancer, many patients may be told to keep their bodies still and avoid strenuous activities. However, a growing body of research and real-world cases show that proper physical activity, especially running, can actually bring multiple benefits to cancer patients. Below we will explore a few of the main reasons why cancer patients choose to run.
Emotional support and mental health
The cancer treatment process is often accompanied by great emotional stress and psychological burden. Running, as an aerobic exercise, stimulates the release of endorphins in the body, substances known as "happy hormones" that can significantly boost mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. In fact, many cancer patients find a way to release stress through running, and they report that running helps them feel more positive and hopeful to better cope with the treatment process.
Improve physical strength and quality of life
Running can also help cancer patients maintain their strength and endurance during treatment. Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often cause patients to experience fatigue and decreased physical strength. Regular running can enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, help patients improve overall physical fitness, reduce fatigue, and improve the quality of daily life. In addition, the improved physical strength can also help patients better withstand physical challenges during treatment.
Boost of the immune system
Interestingly, running has also been found to have a positive effect on the immune system. Regular moderate running helps increase the activity of immune cells, which is especially important for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. A strong immune system can help fight off infections and possibly fight the growth of cancer cells to some extent.
Which polyps are prone to cancer?
Although polyps are small, their potential risks cannot be ignored, especially those that are prone to cancer. As a doctor, over the years, I have encountered many cases that were initially overlooked and eventually developed into serious cancers. Therefore, it is extremely important for everyone to know which polyps are prone to cancer.
High-risk polyp types
腺瘤性息肉（Adenomatous Polyps）：
Adenomous polyps are the most common type of polyps that are prone to cancer. This polyp can develop into colorectal cancer. Depending on the size, number and shape of the polyps (such as tubular, tubulous or villous), the risk of becoming cancerous varies. In general, villous adenomas have the highest risk of becoming cancerous.
传统的锯齿状息肉（Traditional Serrated Adenomas）：
This type of polyp looks like a serrated surface and is a rare but cancerous type. They occur mainly on the right side of the colon and may become cancerous faster than other types due to their unique cellular structure.
炎症性息肉（Inflammatory Polyps）和错构瘤性息肉（Hamartomatous Polyps）：
While these two types of polyps are not usually cancerous, the risk of becoming cancerous is significantly increased if they are associated with genetic disorders such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or skin-intestinal syndrome (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome).
Carcinogenesis process
From a biological point of view, polyp carcinogenesis usually involves a multi-step genetic process known as the "adenoma-carcinoma sequence". In this sequence, normal colon cells first transform into benign adenomatous polyps, and then some of the polyps go on to develop into cancer despite damage to their genetic material (DNA).
It is because of this gradual transition process that it is important to have regular colonoscopies. The incidence of colorectal cancer can be significantly reduced through early diagnosis and timely removal of these potentially precancerous lesions.
Diagnosing polyps: key steps and methods
Finding and diagnosing polyps is an important step in the prevention of bowel cancer. As an experienced doctor, I often see many patients with polyps that only scratch the surface of "may require attention", ignoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. In this part, I will share the key steps in the examination and diagnosis of polyps, as well as highlight the need for early detection through several real-life cases.
1. Colonoscopy: The gold standard
Colonoscopy is the gold standard method for diagnosing polyps. This test not only visualizes the inside of the colon and rectum, but also allows for immediate removal of polyps. During the test, the doctor uses a flexible tube (colonoscope) with a camera mounted on one end, which allows the doctor to clearly see any abnormal growths on the intestinal wall.
2. Type of polyp and risk assessment
When performing a colonoscopy, it is extremely important to identify the type of polyp. Different polyp types mean different risks of cancer. For example, adenomatous polyps are more likely to progress into cancer than other types. During the examination, if a polyp is found, it is usually removed for pathological analysis, which is the only way to determine the nature of the polyp (benign or malignant).
3. Identification of early symptoms
Although most polyps are asymptomatic, symptoms such as intermittent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, persistent diarrhea or blood in the stool can be a sign of polyps. These symptoms should be taken seriously and a colonoscopy should be performed as soon as possible.
Strategies for managing and preventing polyps
Treatment: Procedure and importance of excisional surgery
When polyps are found, especially those with a higher risk of becoming cancerous, doctors usually recommend removal. This step is critical because early removal can greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Usually, this excision surgery can be done at the time of colonoscopy. A colonoscopy not only helps doctors see what's going on inside the colon, but also removes polyps found right away.
During surgery, doctors use a method called an endoscopic excision technique. This is a small procedure performed through a colonoscope, in which a long, thin instrument is passed through the tube of the colonoscope, and a small clip and cutter is attached to the end of the instrument to clamp and remove the polyp. The entire procedure usually does not require an incision in the abdomen, and the patient recovers quickly and with low risk.
Preventive measures: Lifestyle modifications and regular check-ups
In addition to medical intervention, it is equally important to prevent the formation of polyps. Here are some effective precautions:
Dietary modifications: Increase dietary fiber intake, such as vegetables and whole grains, and reduce consumption of red and processed meat. A high-fiber diet helps keep your gut healthy and reduces the chance of polyp formation.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including colon cancer.
Regular medical check-ups: Regular colonoscopies are an effective way to detect and remove polyps in a timely manner. Depending on the individual's risk factors, such as family history, genetic predisposition, etc., the doctor will recommend when and how often to start such tests.
Smoking cessation and alcohol restriction: Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase the risk of several types of cancer, including colon cancer.