What are adenomatous colorectal polyps?

Adenomatous colorectal polyps are benign tumors formed by excessive proliferation of the colonic mucosal epithelium. They are associated with genetic factors, inflammatory stimulation, improper diet, aging, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary.

1. Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer have an increased risk of developing adenomatous polyps. Inherited genetic predispositions can lead to abnormal epithelial cell proliferation, raising the likelihood of polyp formation.

2. Inflammatory stimulation: Chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum causes persistent mucosal damage. During repeated cycles of tissue repair, epithelial cells may proliferate abnormally, gradually forming polyps. Patients with chronic colitis have a significantly higher risk compared to the general population.

3. Improper diet: Long-term consumption of high-fat, high-protein, and low-fiber foods reduces intestinal motility and increases fecal irritation to the mucosa, promoting epithelial cell hyperplasia and ultimately leading to adenomatous polyp formation.

4. Aging: With advancing age, gastrointestinal function gradually declines and the mucosa's capacity for repair weakens, increasing the probability of abnormal epithelial cell proliferation. Middle-aged and elderly individuals are at higher risk for developing adenomatous polyps.

5. Unhealthy lifestyle: Long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and sleep deprivation can disrupt normal intestinal metabolism and impair immune function, reducing mucosal resistance and promoting the development of adenomatous polyps.

Treatment primarily involves surgical removal, including endoscopic polypectomy. After surgery, patients should adjust their diet by increasing dietary fiber intake, maintain regular sleep patterns, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, engage in moderate exercise, and undergo regular follow-up colonoscopies to reduce the risk of recurrence.