In our gut, there is something that seems tiny, but it can be the source of bowel cancer, and that is small intestine polyps. They lurk inside our bodies like "ticking time bombs" that can threaten our health at any time if left unattended and untreated. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes and harms of small bowel polyps, and how to prevent them. This article will take a closer look at the knowledge of small bowel polyps to help you better understand and protect against this potential health threat.
What are small bowel polyps?
Small bowel polyps are lumps that grow on the lining of the small intestine and are usually benign, but some types of polyps can develop into malignancy. Depending on the tissue structure and morphology, small bowel polyps can be classified as adenomatous polyps, inflammatory polyps, and other types. Adenomous polyps are the most common type and play a key role in the process of small bowel cancer.
Formation of adenomatous polyps
Adenomous polyps are formed due to the abnormal proliferation of certain cells on the mucosa of the small intestine, which is usually related to genetics, dietary habits, intestinal inflammation and other factors. These polyps may experience varying degrees of dysplasia during their growth, i.e. abnormal changes in the cells that can lead to cancer.
Formation of inflammatory polyps
Inflammatory polyps are usually caused by long-term intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn's disease. Chronic inflammation can lead to mucosal damage and abnormal growth during repair, eventually leading to the formation of polyps.
Other types of small intestinal polyps
In addition to the above two common types, there are some other types of small intestine polyposis such as hereditary polyposis, etc. The formation of these polyps is closely related to genetic factors, and patients often have a family history.
Small intestinal polyps, while seemingly tiny, can be a huge health threat. Understanding the causes of small bowel polyps can help us better prevent and respond to the problem. Through dietary adjustments and regular check-ups, we can reduce the risk of polyps in the small intestine and maintain our health.
Hazards of small intestinal polyps
Small intestinal polyps, which may seem tiny, can be very dangerous. According to statistics, 90% of bowel cancer patients have polyps. Although small intestinal polyps are mostly benign, some types of polyps can evolve into malignant diseases if not detected and treated in time, causing serious health problems to patients.
The intestine is part of the human digestive system, while the small intestine is an organ about 6 meters long that is the main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients. The presence of polyps in the small intestine can affect this process, causing a range of problems. The process of forming malignant intestinal polyps is not complicated, but it takes a long time. Often, it takes years from polyp formation to cancer, which also gives us the opportunity to intervene in time.
Problems that can cause polyps in the small intestine:
Risk of cancer: Benign small bowel polyps may develop into malignant tumors if left untreated, becoming a major cause of bowel cancer.
Bleeding: Polyps may rupture and bleed when rubbing against the intestines, causing blood in the stool, and in severe cases, anemia and other problems.
Obstruction: Larger polyps may block the bowel, leading to symptoms such as poor bowel movements, abdominal pain, and more.
Intestinal perforation: When polyps enlarge, they can put pressure on the intestinal wall, leading to perforation of the intestinal wall and serious problems such as peritonitis.
The occurrence of the above problems will bring great distress and danger to the life and health of patients. Therefore, early detection and treatment of small bowel polyps is crucial.
How can small bowel polyps be prevented?
The prevention of small intestinal polyps mainly includes the following aspects:
Dietary modification: A healthy diet is key to preventing polyps in the small intestine. It is recommended to consume more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., reduce the intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods, and moderate water consumption can also help promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce the possibility of constipation.
Regular check-ups: Regular check-ups are an effective way to detect polyps in the small intestine. It is generally recommended that people over the age of 40 undergo a colonoscopy once a year, as well as other related tests such as endoscopy on a regular basis. Early detection of polyps can lead to treatment to prevent them from developing into malignant tumors.
Avoiding bad lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, avoiding irregular eating for long periods of time, and maintaining a normal weight, can all help reduce the risk of small bowel polyps.
Aggressive treatment of digestive disorders, such as stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, etc., may also increase the risk of small bowel polyps if left untreated.
The key to the prevention of small bowel polyps lies in daily lifestyle habits and regular medical checkups. Through good lifestyle habits and regular check-ups, we can effectively reduce the risk of small bowel polyps and protect our own health.