Question 1

mom had 4 colon polyps at 35. i have sudden fe deficient anemia &need infusions 1x/wk, try to have bm feel like something is in the way. cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cancer unlikely: Iron deficiency is not uncommon in women due to loss of blood during menstruation. You may try to increase your intake of fiber food, or take a fiber laxative like Metamucil. In either case drink enough water daily so that your urine is colorless.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex. 
Get HPV vaccine.

Question 2

chronic  iron def & anemia (5 yrs) . iv iron good for 6 months. no endometriosis, fibroids, colon polyps, etc. wth? (3 endoscopes, 2 colonoscopies)

Accepted Answer

See below: Other potential sources are small bowel chronic bleeding, which can best be evaluated by capsule endoscopy and bleeding from excessively heavy menses. As part of your work up i assume you have had all the usual blood test for iron levels (ferritin, transferrin, fe sat etc).

Question 3

are colon polyps painful?

Accepted Answer

No: No, typically not painful.

Question 4

are colon polyps dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Eh: Dangerous is a strong term

Certain colon polyps are considered precursors to cancer. That is, if not removed, they have potential to become cancer.

Question 5

are there symptoms of colon polyps?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: On occasion, polyps may infarct, twist on their stalk, bleed, or secrete (villous tumors of the rectum) with resulting "diarrhea." however, most polyps & colon cancers are identified (hopefully) before symptoms develop. Early detection at a smaller polyp size means higher cure rates, lower risk of malignant transformation or invasion, & improved survival before cancer develops. Get a colonoscopy!

Question 6

is it common to have colon polyps in your 20's?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: We don't really know because most people don't get colonoscopies in their 20's. Most people start at age 50 for colon cancer screening. There are some inherited syndromes like Familial Polyposis that predispose someone to polyps, but they are exceedingly rare. The polyp should be biopsied to figure out what type it is, which will be very informative.

Question 7

will colonic polyps turn into colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

It can happen: At the time of detection, most polyps are not cancerous. Hoever, over time polyps can develop pre-cancer changes in the cells which then become early cancer changes and finally fully developed cancer. It is best to strictly follow your gastroenterologists screenig schedules if you already have had polyps and get regular screeinig colonoscopies done.

Question 8

does multiple skin lipoma mean colon polyps too?

Accepted Answer

Not linked: No evidence that the two syndromes are linked in any way.

Question 9

what kind of bleeding do colon polyps / cancer show?

Accepted Answer

Occult/hidden: Most of the time there is no visible blood.  Testing for bleeding lesions requires testing for occult blood, fecal occult blood test (fbot).  There is more than one method.  If is recommended that this test be done three times each year on persons over the age of 50, unless they have undergone colonoscopy.

Question 10

how many people have colon polyps and never colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

About 90%: About half of the people over sixty have polyps, but only about 5% develop cancer.  The incidence of polyps and cancer vary by age.  Polyps larger than 1.0 cm are more likely to become cancerous.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Anemia and colon polyps

A member asked:

Mom had 4 colon polyps at 35. i have sudden fe deficient anemia &need infusions 1x/wk, try to have bm feel like something is in the way. cancer?

A member asked:

Chronic iron def & anemia (5 yrs) . iv iron good for 6 months. no endometriosis, fibroids, colon polyps, etc. wth? (3 endoscopes, 2 colonoscopies)

A member asked:

Are colon polyps painful?

A member asked:

Are colon polyps dangerous?

A member asked:

Are there symptoms of colon polyps?

A member asked:

Is it common to have colon polyps in your 20's?

A member asked:

Will colonic polyps turn into colon cancer?

A member asked:

Does multiple skin lipoma mean colon polyps too?

A member asked:

What kind of bleeding do colon polyps / cancer show?

A member asked:

How many people have colon polyps and never colon cancer?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?