First published: Oct 27, 2023
If you’ve discovered blood in your stool or experienced rectal bleeding, it’s natural to feel concerned. While there are many possible explanations, one potential cause is bleeding colon polyps.
Polyps are small growths that are typically benign. They can form in various places throughout the body, like the ear canal, cervix, throat, and uterus. However, they’re most commonly found in the colon. Colon polyps form on the lining of the colon (or large intestine) and tend to be harmless – though, over time, they can progress to a precancerous polyp, colon cancer, or colorectal cancer.
Polyps, in general, don’t typically cause symptoms, so a bleeding colon polyp might signal that it’s time to see a doctor. Arming yourself with knowledge allows you to seek advice from a professional if you find that your bleeding colon polyps have led to colon cancer, also referred to as bowel or rectal cancer.
Let’s explore what colon polyps are, why they might bleed, and how timely diagnosis and natural treatment options can help protect your health.
What Are Bleeding Colon Polyps?
As we mentioned, bowel polyps don’t tend to cause symptoms, so people often aren’t even aware that they have them. Larger polyp growths can bleed, which can cause blood in the stool, along with fatigue and anemia. In addition to minor rectal bleeding, large polyps can also cause a small amount of mucus in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Types of Colon Polyps
There are several types of colon polyps, including:
- Adenomas (adenomatous polyps) – These are the most common type and can sometimes become cancerous over time.
- Hyperplastic polyps – Usually small and considered low-risk.
- Serrated polyps – Depending on their size and location, these may carry a higher risk of progressing to colon cancer.
- Inflammatory polyps – Often linked to inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.
While colon polyps are typically harmless, some can develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated. That’s why regular screening and early removal of colon polyps is key to preventing disease progression.
Why Do Polyps Bleed to Begin With?
When discussing polyps in general, a common concern arises around their tendency to bleed. It’s a common phenomenon that has puzzled many and led to a series of medical investigations. By knowing why polyps bleed, you can better understand what they are, how they affect their surroundings, and the risks they might pose.
Causes of Bleeding
Polyps, as they grow, can sometimes interrupt the protective lining of the organs they inhabit, particularly the colon. This disruption might lead to minor injuries, especially during the passage of stool, causing them to bleed. The abnormal bleeding is not necessarily constant but can be frequent, which is why it might sometimes go unnoticed in the early stages.
It’s important to remember that not all polyps bleed, and bleeding isn’t always constant. Still, any sign of blood in your stool should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
Distinguishing Factors
While it’s true that polyps have the potential to bleed, it’s essential to recognize that not all do, and the ones that bleed might do so due to several reasons:
- Polyp size and location
- Friction during bowel movements
- Certain medications that affect blood clotting
Symptoms of Bleeding Colon Polyps
Most people with colon polyps don’t experience symptoms. However, bleeding polyps may present with:
- Bright red blood in the stool or toilet bowl
- Dark, tarry stools (from digested blood)
- Mucus in stool
- Fatigue or anemia from ongoing blood loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
These symptoms can also be signs of other conditions, including colorectal cancer. That’s why early detection through a colonoscopy or other screening tests is so important.
Are Bleeding Colon Polyps Cancerous?
While most colon polyps are benign, certain types, especially large adenomas or serrated polyps, carry an increased risk of becoming cancerous over time. Bleeding alone doesn’t mean a polyp is cancerous, but it is considered a potential warning sign.
A colonoscopy not only detects polyps, but often allows them to be removed during the same procedure. Once removed, polyps are examined for abnormal or cancerous cells. If a polyp is found to be precancerous, removal significantly reduces your risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
How Are Bleeding Colon Polyps Diagnosed?
We encourage regular colorectal cancer screening as an essential step in protecting your health. Your doctor may recommend:
- Colonoscopy – The most effective method for detecting and removing colon polyps.
- Stool tests – These can detect hidden blood in the stool.
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) – Uses imaging to visualize the colon.
If polyps are detected, they’re typically removed during the colonoscopy and sent for further analysis.
Treatment Options for Colon Polyps
Removing polyps early is the best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Common treatment and removal methods include:
- Polypectomy – Removal of polyps during colonoscopy using snares or forceps.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) – For larger polyps, this procedure removes polyps along with part of the colon lining.
- Surgery – In rare cases where polyps are very large or cancerous, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to remove affected sections of the colon.
Can Natural Therapies Help Prevent Colon Polyps?
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk of developing polyps or colorectal cancer. Consider:
- Eating a fiber-rich, plant-forward diet
- Reducing red and processed meat intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
- Regular physical activity
- Supporting your immune health through gentle, non-toxic therapies
Our natural treatments focus on strengthening your immune system and promoting whole-body balance, empowering your body to heal and protect itself.
Why Choose ITC’s Alternative Approach?
At Immunity Therapy Center, we offer non-toxic, alternative cancer treatments tailored to your unique needs. Unlike conventional therapies that often focus solely on removing disease, our therapies work to support your immune system and overall health.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, we customize each care plan to help your body fight cancer while minimizing side effects. Our compassionate team is here to guide you with hope, knowledge, and personalized care every step of the way.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice blood in your stool, experience unexplained abdominal pain, or have risk factors like a family history of colon cancer, schedule a screening with your provider. Colonoscopy and other exams can help detect colon polyps early, when removal is simplest and most effective.
Remember: early detection saves lives. We’re here to support you through every stage of your health journey, whether you’re focused on prevention or seeking natural alternatives after diagnosis.
What If It’s Colon Cancer?
Once you’ve discovered bleeding colon polyps and gone to the doctor, the next step is to figure out what your diagnosis means. If you receive a colorectal cancer screening back that states you do have colon cancer, try not to panic, as there are several options for you to choose from to have your polyps removed and for treating cancer.
Colon cancer can affect anyone at any age. Some even fall victim to many of the risk factors, and it’s a lot more common than you might think. Thankfully, there are conventional methods for treating it that typically involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
There is also a range of alternative cancer treatments for colon cancer to support patients’ recovery. We’re happy to offer these treatments, as they help alleviate the pain and discomfort that comes with traditional methods like chemo and radiation.
Take Charge of Your Colon Health
Your health is worth protecting. If you’ve been diagnosed with colon polyps or are concerned about your colorectal health, reach out to us today. Together, we can explore gentle, effective therapies that work with your body, not against it.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
- Harvard Health. Colon Polyps – what is it? https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/colon-polyps-a-to-z
- Bowel polyps. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-polyps/
- Colon polyps. https://nchmd.org/health-library/articles/con-20306107/
- Colon Polyps: Are they cancerous? https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/about-colorectal-cancer/prevention/colon-polyps/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.