What is the treatment for precancerous colon polyps?
What is the treatment for precancerous colon polyps?
Almost all precancerous polyps found during colonoscopy can be completely removed during the procedure. Various removal techniques are available; most involve removing them with a wire loop or biopsy forceps, sometimes using electric current. This is called polyp resection or polypectomy.
What does it mean if a colon polyp is precancerous?
Polyps are not cancerous, but they can be precancerous. This means they will eventually develop into cancer. This process is usually very slow, occurring over 10 to 15 years. The most common form of colon cancer—adenocarcinoma—begins as a precancerous or adenomatous polyp.
How often should you have a colonoscopy if precancerous polyps are found?
People who have precancerous polyps completely removed should have a colonoscopy every 3-5 years, depending on the size and number of polyps found.
What does precancerous mean in a colonoscopy?
Precancerous conditions of the colon or rectum are changes to cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer. These conditions are not yet cancer. But if they aren’t treated, there is a chance that these abnormal changes may become colorectal cancer.
How serious are precancerous cells in colon?
Can a doctor tell if a colon polyp is cancerous by looking at it?
A gastroenterologist, the specialist who usually performs a colonoscopy, can’t tell for certain if a colon polyp is precancerous or cancerous until it’s removed and examined under a microscope.
How long does it take to heal after colon polyp removal?
You shouldn’t drive for 24 hours following a polypectomy. Recovery is generally quick. Minor side effects such as gassiness, bloating, and cramps usually resolve within 24 hours. With a more involved procedure, a full recovery can take up to two weeks.
How long does it take to get biopsy results back from a colonoscopy?
Before you go home, your doctor tells you if they removed any growths (polyps) or tissue samples (biopsies) from your bowel. The biopsy results can take up to 2 weeks. Your specialist writes to you with the results.