If you are wondering what tubular adenoma is and how it is treated, you have come to the right place. Below, we have outlined the most important facts about this condition, the symptoms, the diagnosis, and possible treatment methods. Learn about tubular and tubulovillous adenoma and educate yourself on the best treatment and prevention techniques. If not dealt with promptly, the polyps may get bigger, leading to significant medical complications. After diagnosis, your healthcare professional will carefully remove them via a colonoscopy.
That said, if you are looking for the best professionals in your area, consider colon surgical procedures in Palm Beach County. The positive results speak for themselves.
What is tubular adenoma, and how is this condition treated? Keep reading to find out.
Tubular Adenoma: Definition of the Term
If you or a loved one underwent a colonoscopy due to colon cancer screening, your doctor might have located polyps. Polyps are cell clusters that form on the colon’s lining. In brief, tubular adenomas are defined as small and typically harmless (or benign) polyps that appear in the colon.
A tubular adenoma is the most prevalent colon polyp type that healthcare specialists deal with. The polyps can become cancerous – the risks can increase as the polyps get bigger.
To understand this condition, it is helpful to look at how an adenomatous polyp forms. In some cases, cells in the body grow uncontrollably. This process is referred to as “mutation.” Some of these cells can develop into tumors and polyps. Interestingly, a tubular adenoma is typically tiny – it can be 1/2 inch in size or smaller!
As the name suggests, these polyps grow in the shape of a tube. Some patients may experience a more serious condition, a tubulovillous adenoma, in rarer cases. These polyps combine the growth pattern of tubes and a cauliflower-like shape. Unfortunately, cases of patients with tubulovillous adenoma are more severe.
While most tubular adenomas are noncancerous or benign, they can become cancerous if left untreated. This is why getting diagnosed early and receiving adequate treatment is important. While less than 10 percent of these cases become malignant, it is a fact that over 95 percent of all cancers of the colon develop from colon adenoma. Here are some other polyp types to consider:
- Hamartomatous
- Inflammatory
- Hyperplastic
- Serrated
Whether you are dealing with tubular or tubulovillous adenoma, seeking a professional and getting treated as soon as possible is crucial. For expert results, contact Advanced Surgical Physicians and Dr. Eldredge to get started with your healing journey.
How Do Polyps in the Colon Form?
As mentioned, patients get polyps as a result of cell mutation. There are two main types of polyps to keep in mind:
- Tubular adenomas
- Tubulovillous adenoma
Seek out professional help and consult with a professional at a reliable clinic. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment for you.
Who Can Get an Adenomatous Polyp?
Nearly all cases of colon cancer begin with polyps. These abnormal growths gradually increase in size, increasing health risks. Patients with a tubular adenoma are at a four to five percent higher risk of dealing with cancer. In fact, the odds that patients with villous adenomas will face risks are even higher!
Here are some of the most common risk factors that can boost the chances of having a colon adenoma:
- Being obese
- Being male
- Being 50 or older
- Having a family history of colon polyps
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
While some of these risk factors cannot be avoided, others can. Keep reading to find out the best prevention methods for reducing the risk of developing a colon adenoma.
What Are the Symptoms of Colon Adenoma?
Polyps in the colon usually go unnoticed. In many cases, patients do not display any alarming symptoms. So, doctors often find polyps in the colon during a colonoscopy procedure. When there are symptoms, they include:
- Bleeding from the anus
- Mucus in feces
- Stomach cramps
- Frequent constipation or diarrhea
- Anemia from losing blood in feces
How Is Tubulovillous Adenoma Diagnosed and Treated?
A colonoscopy is the number one way to diagnose adenomas. During the procedure, the professional will insert a long tube equipped with a lens into the patient’s rectum. Slowly, the doctor will thread it into the colon to see images on the monitor. If the patient has tubular adenomas, they will be displayed on the screen as lumps sticking from the colon’s lining.
After the polyps in the colon have been identified, the professional will snip them off or, alternatively, loop wire around them. Finally, with the help of an electric current, they are burned off. Since the procedure is performed while the patient is asleep, there is no pain or discomfort.
The polyp (or polyps) will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, where a pathologist will determine how much the sample resembles cancer. The most important part of the procedure is that the polyps are removed.
Follow-up is necessary. If the patient has tubular or other adenoma types, they will require a follow-up procedure to ensure that the condition does not come back. In most cases, patients need to return every three to five years for a colonoscopy. However, patients sometimes need to return earlier, especially if they have many larger polyps.
How Can I Prevent the Formation of an Adenomatous Polyp?
Patients with a family history of colon polyps are at higher risk of colon cancer. The best way to prevent this condition is to consider regular screening. According to professionals, it is best to start a colonoscopy when 45. Some patients may need to begin earlier, especially if:
- Someone in the family has had suspicious polyps or colon cancer.
- The patient has IBD or inflammatory bowel disease.
- The patient’s genetic condition may put them at higher risk of colon cancer and polyps.
Besides screening, patients are also encouraged to follow these preventative steps:
- Consume less processed fat and eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods high in fiber (oatmeal, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables).
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking.
While the research is relatively outdated and requires further analysis, data from 1999 and 2011 reveals that folate or folic acid may help with colon cancer prevention. The research participants received more than 400 micrograms of folic acid per day from multivitamins and/or food and began supplementation before the formation of polyps.
Furthermore, aspirin may also be an effective way to reduce the risk of colon cancer. According to certain medical studies, patients who take aspirin regularly are at lower risk of the condition. Namely, aspirin interferes with prostaglandin (a substance the body produces that could promote abnormal or excessive cell growth). On the downside, aspirin can lead to bleeding and stomach ulcers. Never attempt to self-medicate with aspirin. Consult a healthcare professional and find the best preventative method for you.
When Should I Reach Out for Help?
Immediately reach out for help if you notice any signs or symptoms mentioned in this article. Regular screening and a colonoscopy are the best ways to determine if you have this condition.
This blog is for informational purposes only. If you still experience unusual symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible at your primary care doctor or with our office.
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