Colon Mass

Types of Colon Masses

The term colon mass refers to all pathological masses occurring in the large intestine. Colon mass is a general term that includes some very specific types of growths. These masses can be divided broadly as being benign or malignant. Masses present in the colon are sometimes also known as colon polyps. Although most colon polyps are benign, it is important that they be detected early as there is a definite risk of them turning malignant.

Diagnosis of Colon masses

Detection of colon masses is done by colonoscopies. Some benign masses do not present with symptoms therefore often, such polyps are detected while colonoscopy is being carried out for some other colon related disorder. Confirmation of the nature of a colon mass is done by biopsy. Then, depending on the results of the biopsy (whether the mass is benign or malignant) further treatment is planned out. Sometimes masses tend to be so large that the easy passage of the colonoscope is hampered. In such cases, surgery may be the only option. Detection of a colon mass does not always imply colon cancer as a large number masses tend to be benign in nature. Some colon polyps are small and flat; they are, therefore, harder to detect and locate. Benign colon polyps can routinely be removed with the colonoscope if deemed fit for such a procedure by the doctor. Colon masses can occur anywhere along the length of the large intestine and are more likely to occur in those patients who have already had colon polyps or those with a genetic predilection to such masses in the colon. After successful treatment for a colon mass, patients are generally advised to have regular follow-up checks with the doctor to make sure the mass has not recurred.

Methods to minimize chances of developing Colon Cancer

There are few easy ways to prevent occurrence of masses in the colon. A healthy diet is, perhaps, the single most important preventive measure against colon polyps. If you consume a diet rich in calcium, such as cheese, curds and milk, and follow proper weight control measures, the chances of you developing a colon polyp reduces significantly. Those more prone to development of colon masses must also avoid smoking and excessive drinking as a preventive measure against polyps. There are medications that are said to guard against colon masses, but before consuming such drugs, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. Although colon masses can occur at any age, a vast majority of patients with colon masses are in their fifties. Hence, people falling in this age group are advised to get a colon examination along with their routine health check up.

Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing procedures although don’t treat polyps themselves, are considered beneficial in avoiding them. A cleaner and healthier colon that is less likely to harbor atypical pathogenic microorganisms is what colon cleansing and irrigation procedures help accomplish. Obesity can make a person more likely to get a colon mass. In such patients regular colon cleansing supplemented with exercise is known to reduce risk of polyp development.