Patterns and Types of Colorectal Polyps Among Adults in Imo State Nigeria

Patterns and Types of Colorectal Polyps Among Adults in Imo State Nigeria

Bright Ugochukwu Ibe*; Evangeline T. Oparaocha; Joachim Nwaokoro
Department of Public Health, School of Postgraduate studies, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10507
Received: 27 April 2023; Accepted: 19 May 2023; Published: 09 June 2023

Abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the major health problems in the world. It used to be thought that it is a disease of people in developed countries, but recent studies has shown increasing incidence in developing countries. In Nigeria, most patients present cases late when curative resection is impossible. In order to achieve higher success, it becomes essential that knowledge and awareness for early symptoms and detection methods and screening tools have to be identified. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns and types of colorectal polyps among adults aged 40 – 65 years of age in Imo State Nigeria.
Methods: The sample of the study comprised one thousand (1000) adults drawn through a multistage sampling method, and included both urban and rural dwellers from the selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria. These were screened for Fasting Occult Blood Test (FOBT). Out of the, 40 (4. 0%) of the subjects found to be positive, a further random selection was used to select 20 (50.0%) for virtual colonoscopy for detection of colorectal polyps.
Results: Findings showed that there was evident in the low prevalence of colorectal polyps (20%). Also, there was a significant association between the patterns of colorectal polyp and awareness of colorectal polyp among the participants (p= 0.001; X2= 7.153).
Conclusion: There are different types of colon polyps with differing tendencies to become malignant and abilities to predict the development of polyps to cancer. It is important to recognize families with members who have genetic conditions causing polyps because some of these conditions are associated with a very high incidence of colon cancer, and the cancer can be prevented if discovered early.
Keywords: Colorectal carcinoma, Screening, Polyps, Patterns, Adults, Nigeria

I. Introduction

Elbert (2019) defined Colon polyps as growths that occur on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and usually protrude into the colon. Polyps form when the genetic material within the cells lining the colon changes and becomes abnormal (mutates). Normally, the immature cells lining the colon are programmed to divide (multiply), mature, and then die in a very consistent and timely fashion. However, the genetic changes that occur in the living cells prevent the cells from maturing, and the cells do not die. This leads to an accumulation of immature, genetically abnormal cells, which eventually results in the formation of polyps. The mutations may occur as a sporadic event after birth or they may be present from birth.
Colon polyps are important because they may or may not become malignant (cancerous) (American Cancer Society, 2017). They also are important because based on their size, number, and microscopic anatomy (histology); they can predict which patients are more likely to develop more polyps and colon cancer (colorectal cancer) (Sirinukunwattana et. al., 2016). It is important to recognize families with members who have familial genetic conditions causing polyps because some of these conditions are associated with a very high incidence of colon cancer, and the cancer can be prevented or discovered early.
Colon polyps are diagnosed by endoscopic colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, barium enema, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Colon polyps are treated by endoscopic removal and occasionally by surgery (Jemal et. al. 2020; Ries et. al., 2018; Ferlay et. al., 2010). Follow-up surveillance of patients with colon polyps depends on the presence of a family history of cancer, the number of polyps that are found, the size of the polyps, and the polyps’ histology, and can vary between three and 10 years.

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