If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, should I be worried? What are the next steps?
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Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, Colorectal Cancer Process, Rectal Cancer Risk Factors, Colon Cancer High Risk, Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer Treatment Process, Colon And Rectal Cancer, Polyps, Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors, Cancer Treatment Process, Next Steps, Colon Cancer Risk Factors, What Next, Rectal Cancer High Risk, Cancer Risk Factors, Colorectal Cancer High Risk
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Colorectal Cancer
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Colon Cancer
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Colon And Rectal Cancer
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Polyps
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What Next
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Expert AnswersIndranKrishnanMD (Physician - Gastroenterology (Verified) ) - 04 / 29 / 2012
If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, the specialist would have removed and sent it for microscopic examination - biopsy.
If the biopsy shows that the polyp
1. is cancerous- you may need surgery to remove the portion of the colon where the polyp was removed.
2. is precancerous - (all variety of adenomas) - you will need a periodic colonoscopy at a a regular interval depending on the number of other risk factors you may have -such as family history of colon cancer, number & size polyps you had & how "bad" the precancerous polyps were on biopsies.
3. Hyperplastic- usually of no concern. However, this subject has become a debate point lately & some scientists do believe that these polyps too may be a sign that you are at a risk of developing precancerous polyps later on.
There are other rare types too but that subject is beyond the discussion in this forum.
If the biopsy shows that the polyp
1. is cancerous- you may need surgery to remove the portion of the colon where the polyp was removed.
2. is precancerous - (all variety of adenomas) - you will need a periodic colonoscopy at a a regular interval depending on the number of other risk factors you may have -such as family history of colon cancer, number & size polyps you had & how "bad" the precancerous polyps were on biopsies.
3. Hyperplastic- usually of no concern. However, this subject has become a debate point lately & some scientists do believe that these polyps too may be a sign that you are at a risk of developing precancerous polyps later on.
There are other rare types too but that subject is beyond the discussion in this forum.
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