In short, finding a polyp during a colonoscopy is very common and usually leads to immediate removal.
- Removal is standard. Most polyps are discovered and removed during the same procedure to prevent them from developing further.
- Biopsy follows removal. The tissue is sent to a pathology lab to determine if the growth is noncancerous, pre-cancerous, or cancerous.
- Follow-up intervals change. Finding polyps may mean you need to return for your next screening sooner than the standard ten-year gap.
When patients consider colonoscopy, their primary concern is often the fear of the unknown. It is natural to feel anxious about the possibility of a doctor finding something irregular during your exam. However, finding a polyp is actually a positive step toward cancer prevention.
A colonoscopy allows your physician to examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities. If they find polyps, they can remove them before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Understanding this process can alleviate anxiety and help you prepare for your procedure.
What Exactly Is a Colon Polyp?
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most polyps are harmless, but some can develop into colon cancer over time. This is why scheduling a colonoscopy is the most effective method for preventing colorectal cancer.
There are two main categories of polyps that doctors look for. The first type is hyperplastic polyps, which are generally benign and not considered pre-cancerous. The second type is adenomatous polyps (adenomas).
Adenomas are considered pre-cancerous. This does not mean you have cancer, but it does mean the polyp has the potential to turn into cancer later. Identifying and removing these growths is the primary goal of a colonoscopy screening.
How Are Polyps Removed During The Procedure?
If your doctor discovers a polyp during your exam, they will likely perform a polypectomy. This is the medical term for removing a polyp. They do this using special instruments passed through the colonoscope.
For small polyps, the doctor may use forceps to grasp and remove the tissue. For larger polyps, they may use a wire loop called a snare. The snare loops around the base of the polyp and uses heat to cut it off and cauterize the area.
Patients generally do not feel this removal process. The lining of the colon does not have nerve endings that sense cutting or burning pain. You will wake up from the sedation, likely unaware that a removal even took place until your doctor tells you.
What Happens After a Polyp Is Removed?
Once a polyp is removed, it is not simply discarded. The tissue is placed in a sterile container and sent to a pathology laboratory. A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the exact nature of the cells.
The pathologist looks for signs of dysplasia. Dysplasia refers to how much the cells look like cancer cells under the microscope. This analysis helps your doctor determine your risk level for developing colon cancer in the future.
You will typically receive your pathology results within a few days to a week. Your doctor will call you or schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. These results are crucial for determining when you should consider scheduling your next colonoscopy.
Does Finding a Polyp Mean I Have Cancer?
Finding a polyp does not mean you have cancer. In fact, the vast majority of polyps removed during colonoscopies are benign or pre-cancerous. The purpose of the screening is to catch these growths in the pre-cancerous stage.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. However, the death rate has dropped over several decades. One major reason for this decline is that colorectal polyps are now found more often by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed the long-term benefits of this procedure. The research showed that the removal of adenomatous polyps resulted in a 53 percent reduction in mortality from colorectal cancer.
When Should I Schedule a Colonoscopy Near Me Again?
The results of your pathology report will dictate your future screening schedule. If your exam is completely clear and you have no family history of colon cancer, you may not need another exam for ten years. However, finding polyps changes this timeline.
If you had one or two small adenomas, your doctor might recommend repeating the procedure in seven to ten years. If you had larger polyps, more than three polyps, or polyps with high-grade dysplasia, you might need to return in three years.
In rare cases where a large polyp cannot be completely removed during the colonoscopy, you might need a follow-up exam much sooner. Your physician will provide a personalized recommendation based on the size, number, and type of polyps found.
Are There Risks Associated With Polyp Removal?
Polypectomy is a routine and safe procedure. However, like any medical intervention, it carries some minor risks. The most common complication is bleeding at the site where the polyp was removed.
This bleeding can happen immediately during the procedure or several days afterward. In most cases, the bleeding is minor and stops on its own. Your doctor can also treat bleeding during the procedure by sealing the blood vessel.
A much rarer complication is a perforation, which is a small tear in the wall of the colon. This is very uncommon but may require surgery to repair. Discussing these risks when scheduling a colonoscopy can help you make an informed decision.
Colonoscopy Screening in Irmo, SC
Finding the right provider is the first step toward protecting your health. At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our team is dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care. We utilize the latest technology to ensure your screening is accurate and comfortable.
If you are over the age of 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, do not delay. Early detection is the most powerful tool we have against colon cancer. By scheduling a colonoscopy, you are taking control of your long-term health.
To book your appointment or learn more about our services, contact our office today at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our appointment form. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.
