Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
A polyp is a small, abnormal growth of tissue that develops on the lining of a body part, such as the cervix, colon, or nasal passage. Typically benign (non-cancerous), polyps can sometimes become malignant (cancerous). Their size, number, and location can influence the treatment approach.
At their most basic, polyps refer to any abnormal growth of tissue that forms a mass or lump. They are quite common and can develop in various parts of the body. However, it’s important to remember that most polyps are benign (non-cancerous) though some types can, unfortunately, evolve into cancer if left untreated.
A polyp is essentially an extra piece of tissue that grows inside your body. They might not cause any symptoms, especially if they are small, or their symptoms might mimic those of other, more common ailments. While the majority of polyps are benign, some types can potentially lead to cancer. This makes the detection and treatment of polyps a critical aspect of healthcare.
Polyps are categorized based on where they’re found in the body, including nasal, sinus, throat, cervix, stomach, and colon polyps. Colon polyps are the most prevalent and potentially the most dangerous, as some types can turn into colon cancer if left unchecked.
While polyps can form in various areas, they mostly occur in places with mucous membranes, like the colon, nose, and uterus. However, they can form anywhere in the body that cells grow abnormally.
The exact causes of polyps are not entirely understood. However, they appear to be linked to a class of diseases known as neoplastic disorders, in which the body’s cells grow and divide at an abnormal rate. Chronic inflammation may also contribute to polyp development.
Several factors can enhance the risk of polyp development, including age, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Some types of polyps are more likely to occur in women, while others are more common in men.
While anyone can develop polyps, certain inherited disorders, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, significantly increase the risk of developing certain types of polyps.
The symptoms of polyps can vary greatly depending on their location, size, and number. Some polyps may not cause any symptoms and are discovered during routine healthcare procedures. Others may cause symptoms like bleeding, pain, changes in bowel habits, or breathing difficulties.
Some types of polyps are known precursors to certain kinds of cancer. For instance, adenomatous polyps (adenomas) in the colon can evolve into colon cancer over time if not detected and removed.
When polyps are large, they can obstruct organs, causing symptoms like constipation or difficulty breathing. Also, they may lead to complications by causing bleeding or becoming cancerous.
Experience of prolonged abnormal symptoms like unexpected bleeding, fatigue, or abnormal changes in bowel habits warrant a medical consultation.
A variety of tests including lab tests, imaging studies, and surgical procedures can help diagnose polyps. For instance, a colonoscopy enables healthcare professionals to check for polyps in the colon.
Depending on the results of the tests, it will be determined whether the polyps are benign, potentially cancerous, or cancerous. The treatment plan will be determined according to the results.
Healthy lifestyle changes including increased fiber intake, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing polyps.
Treatment varies per polyp type and location; some may require medication while others may necessitate surgery. For instance, colon polyps are typically removed during a colonoscopy to prevent the risk of them turning into cancer.
Regular check-ups are essential for preventing polyp recurrence or monitoring existing polyps. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle post-treatment can reduce the chances of recurrence.
Educating oneself about polyps and early detection are key. Regular screening, especially for those over the age of 50 or with a family history of polyps, may save lives.
Routine health check-ups aid in early detection and treatment. They are indeed the defensive mechanisms protecting your health.
Prevention is always better than cure, and so, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine health checks is critical for prevention not only of polyps but also of a vast array of health problems.
The exact causes of polyps are not completely clear. However, abnormal cell growth, chronic inflammation, and some inherited disorders are considered contributing factors.
Not all polyps are cancerous, but certain types, like colon adenomatous polyps, can become cancerous over time, if not treated.
Polyps are diagnosed through a combination of symptom review, physical examination, and different tests like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema.
Polyps cannot be entirely prevented, but the risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle including a high fiber diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, maintaining normal body weight, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can significantly cut your risk of developing polyps.
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