Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that develop along the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps are usually flat (although some may have a stalk). Most polyps will not become cancerous; however certain types of polyps are precursors of cancer development.
Certain risk factors that may contribute to polyps include:
While most polyps do not present with any signs of discomfort, some patients may experience symptoms, such as:
Less common symptoms include iron deficiency anemia and fatigue.
The most common method for preventing and detecting polyps is a colonoscopy. During this procedure, the colon will be examined by a medical professional using a long, lighted instrument called a colonoscope. When polyps are discovered, they are removed for biopsy right away via polypectomy. In some cases, polyps may be too large to remove during a single procedure, so multiple colonoscopies or surgeries may be necessary.
Lifestyle and diet changes may decrease your chances of developing polyps. Eat a low-fat diet, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. In addition, exercise and eat calcium rich foods.
As an aside, it is recommended that both men and women begin screening for polyps at age 50 since symptoms do not always present.
Since certain types of polyps can develop into cancer over time, it is extremely important to stay up to date on your colorectal cancer screening so polyps can be removed in their early stages. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of screening, and your physician at DHC will discuss with you how often you should be screened. We are proud to help those in NJ stay on top of their digestive health by providing a wide range of services and procedures with each patient’s needs in mind. Please contact us today to request an appointment and get on track to better gastrointestinal health.
We meet with patients at our three office locations in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren, NJ, as well as from the comfort of your home via telemedicine virtual visits. We will gladly answer any questions you may have throughout your entire care journey with us, so you understand the “why” behind all decisions made for your health.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.
SAFETY FIRST:
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.
Stay healthy and safe.