Signs and Symptoms
Colorectal polyps usually are asymptomatic (i.e., do not cause symptoms). In some cases, they may cause painless rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Rectal bleeding can be overt (visible to the naked eye) or occult (detected through microscopic examination or chemical tests) and may cause anemia (reduced red blood cell count).
Signs and symptoms of anemia include the following:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever (usually mild)
- Headache
- Malaise (generally feeling unwell)
- Paleness
- Weakness
Colorectal polyps also can cause constipation or diarrhea, which may become chronic and last longer than 1 week. Large polyps also may cause abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction (blockage).
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 29 Feb 2008
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 22 Feb 2008
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