What Are Colon Polyps?

How your gastroenterologist in Hillsborough, New Jersey can help you stay healthy

Colon problems can be embarrassing, but they can also be deadly. Colon cancer is one of main causes of deaths from cancer and colon polyps can be an important indicator of colon cancer risk.

Dr. Anubha Sinha at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists offers a wide range of gastroenterology services including diagnosis and treatment of colon polyps. She has convenient office locations in Hillsborough, and Flemington, New Jersey to help you.

So what exactly are colon polyps? Colon polyps are growths that can appear on inside of your colon or your rectum. They can appear as flat, slightly elevated, or stalk-like.

Polyps are fairly common, occurring in about 30% of adults over 45-50. They are caused by genetic mutations in the cells of the colon lining. You may be at greater risk of developing colon polyps if you:

  • Smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol
  • Are overweight or don’t exercise
  • Eat a diet heavy in processed foods and red meat
  • Have a family history of colon polyps

You are also at higher risk of developing colon polyps if you have a history of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Hyperplastic polyps are benign, but there is another type of polyp, an adenoma, which can be an early sign of colon cancer. The only way to determine whether a colon polyp is cancerous is for your gastroenterologist to remove it for biopsy.

Diagnosis and removal of colon polyps for biopsy is done during a colonoscopy procedure. A colonoscopy could save your life, and is recommended if you are over the age of 50 because your risk for colon polyps increases as you get older.

You owe it to yourself to preserve your health and a colonoscopy can help. Colon polyps can be an early sign of colon cancer and early detection can save your life. To find out more about colon polyps and other conditions, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Anubha Sinha of Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists, with offices in Hillsborough, and Flemington, New Jersey at (908) 788-8200. Call today!

Contact Us

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

*Contact office to confirm Saturday hours and availability*

Sunday:

Closed