Colorectal polyp symptoms

Symptoms alone cannot confirm a polyp because haemorrhoids, inflammation, infection, and other bowel conditions can cause similar changes. Polyps are commonly found by examining the inside of the bowel, and selected polyps can be removed during that examination.

A polyp is a growth from the bowel lining. Small growths may not interfere with stool or bleed enough to be seen. A larger or irritated polyp may release visible blood or small amounts that are detected only through testing. Ongoing hidden blood loss can contribute to iron-deficiency anaemia, which may cause tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, or paleness.

Most symptoms that prompt bowel assessment have several possible explanations. The purpose of evaluation is to find the cause, not to assume that bleeding or altered bowel habits identify either a polyp or cancer.

Arrange a medical appointment if you notice recurring blood in or on stool, unexplained mucus, a sustained change in stool frequency or shape, abdominal discomfort that persists, or symptoms of anaemia. Record when the change started, stool appearance, pain, medicines, and any family history of bowel polyps or colorectal cancer.

A clinician may examine you, order blood or stool tests, or recommend colonoscopy. During colonoscopy, the bowel lining can be inspected directly; a polyp may be sampled or removed and then examined to determine its type and whether further follow-up is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or continuing rectal bleeding, black tar-like stool, dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas. These signs may indicate significant blood loss or bowel obstruction and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Promptly contact a clinician about smaller amounts of blood that recur, even without pain. Visible bleeding deserves assessment because its source cannot be established by appearance alone.

Ask what could explain your symptoms, whether you need blood tests or colonoscopy, and how to prepare for any examination. If a polyp is removed, ask what type it was, whether it was removed completely, when the pathology result will be available, and what follow-up schedule applies to your findings.