By Mace Laith
Are you experiencing digestive issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stool? These symptoms could be signs of polyps in your colon.
While polyps are usually harmless, they can sometimes turn cancerous. That’s why polyps removal surgery can sometimes be recommended for you.
In today’s blog post, we’ll give you five compelling reasons why you may want to consider polyps removal in Singapore. From preventing cancer to improving your overall digestive health, we’ll cover it all. So read on to learn more about why you may need to consider this life-saving procedure.
How do Polyps Affect the Body?
Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can develop in various parts of the body, including the colon, nose, stomach, uterus, and others. They are usually benign but can sometimes become cancerous if left untreated.
In the colon, polyps are particularly concerning because they can lead to colorectal cancer, which is the third most common cancer worldwide. Polyps can cause bleeding, which may lead to anemia and fatigue. They can also cause changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. In some cases, polyps can cause abdominal pain and bloating.
The effects of not removing polyps in the body can be severe. As mentioned, polyps can turn cancerous and lead to colorectal cancer.
This type of cancer is highly treatable when detected early, but it can be deadly if left untreated. Besides cancer, polyps can also cause other complications, such as obstruction of the colon, which can lead to bowel perforation and require emergency surgery.
It’s important to note that not all polyps require removal. The final decision for removing polyps for you will be influenced by several factors, including the size, location, and type of polyp. Your doctor will consider these factors and your overall health before recommending treatment.
In general, it’s recommended that people over 50 years old undergo regular colonoscopies to screen for polyps and detect any signs of colorectal cancer early. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent screenings.
What are the Benefits of Removing Polyps?
Now that we’ve discussed the effects of polyps on the body let’s discuss the benefits of removing them. If you have been diagnosed with polyps in your colon, your doctor may recommend polyps removal surgery to remove them. Here are five benefits of removing polyps:
● Preventing Cancer
This is the most obvious benefit of removing polyps. Polyps are growths that form on the lining of the colon, and some polyps can develop into cancer over time.
By removing polyps, you eliminate the possibility that they will become cancerous. Regular screening and polyps removal surgery can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90%.
● Improving Digestive Health
Polyps can cause a variety of digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. So, removing them can alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall digestive health.
Polyps can also cause bleeding in the colon, which can lead to anemia. That said, removing them can stop the bleeding and improve your blood counts.
● Avoiding Emergency Surgery
If a polyp grows too large or obstructs the colon, it may require emergency surgery to remove it. This can be a serious and risky procedure that often requires a longer recovery time than if the polyps had been removed earlier.
Emergency surgery for colon obstruction or other complications of polyps can also lead to a longer hospital stay, greater pain, and higher medical costs. Moreover, avoiding emergency surgery can give you more control over your medical care and treatment options.
By addressing polyps early, you may be able to choose a less invasive procedure, such as a colonoscopy, which can have a shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications than emergency surgery. This can give you more peace of mind and a greater sense of control over your health.
● Reducing the Need for Repeat Procedures
If you have multiple polyps, you may need to undergo multiple procedures to remove them. Removing polyps early can reduce the need for repeat procedures and minimize your exposure to anesthesia and other risks. Also, note that repeat procedures can also be uncomfortable, and they may require additional recovery time.
● Peace of Mind
By removing polyps, you can know that you have taken steps to prevent cancer and improve your overall health. You can also have peace of mind knowing that you have undergone a routine procedure that is highly effective and has a low risk of complications. Also, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, removing polyps can provide you with reassurance and help reduce your risk.
● Improving Quality of Life
Polyps can cause discomfort and embarrassment for many people, especially if they cause bleeding or changes in bowel habits. Bleeding can be frightening, and it can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
Changes in bowel habits can also be distressing and can interfere with daily activities. By removing polyps, you can improve your quality of life and feel more confident and comfortable in your day-to-day activities.
You may no longer have to worry about bleeding or changes in bowel habits, which can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. You may also feel more energetic and less fatigued if you were previously anemic.
The Bottom Line
Removing polyps can have significant benefits for your health and well-being. If you have been diagnosed with polyps, talk to your doctor about polyps removal surgery and the benefits it can offer.
Remember that regular screening and early detection are crucial for preventing colorectal cancer and other complications associated with polyps. So, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any digestive symptoms or other signs of health problems. Your health is too important to ignore.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of polyps or other digestive issues, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Alpine Surgical, our experienced team of gastroenterologists can provide personalized care and treatment options to help you address your health concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better digestive health. Visit us at:
Alpine Surgical Practice | Colorectal Screening | Colonoscopy | Hernia Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth,
#17-16 Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
