As some intestinal polyps grow larger over time, the risk of malignancy increases. Larger polyps can cause narrowing of the intestinal lumen. When stool passes through this narrow area, it can become thin, similar to squeezed noodles.
If this symptom is ignored, the growing polyps may eventually cause bowel obstruction, leading to significant difficulty in defecation.
A healthy individual's bowel habits are generally regular, with one bowel movement per day, usually in the morning after breakfast. However, the presence of polyps in the intestine can disrupt this regularity. Polyps can repeatedly irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing frequent urges to defecate.
It is not an exaggeration to say that delaying the treatment of intestinal polyps increases the risk of malignancy. The longer the delay, the higher the risk. If a polyp becomes malignant, the treatment approach changes significantly. Non-malignant polyps can be removed via colonoscopy, but malignant polyps often require surgical intervention. Surgery may involve removing a section of the intestine and possibly cleaning the regional lymph nodes, with postoperative chemotherapy as a potential follow-up.
Early detection and treatment are essential. Even without symptoms, individuals at high risk for intestinal polyps should undergo timely check-ups. High-risk groups include those with familial adenomatous polyposis, a family history of colorectal cancer, obesity, long-term smokers and heavy drinkers, those who rarely consume fruits and vegetables, those who prefer high-calorie and high-fat diets, individuals over 45, and those with a history of gallbladder or appendectomy. Regular colonoscopies are recommended to detect and address potential polyps early.