Colon/Bowel Polyps

Panda78

Does anyone have experience of having polyps removed? My Dad had a colonoscopy last week, as his bowel cancer DIY screening test for over 60s showed blood in his sample. He had 2 polyps, one quite large, removed and we're now awaiting the results. His side of the family have a history of bowel cancer, so naturally we are very worried.

The doctor seemed to suggest that the polyps would be fine and that tesing was just routine as with any biospy, but i'm wondering if doctor's can accurately know a polyp is fine before testing? I've read online that test results usually take 3 weeks, but my Dad was told 10 days, which naturally makes me worry that they have fast tracked it for the worst reason!

He's not really had other bowel cancer symptoms, but he does have IBS so it's difficult to know what is related to which cause etc.

If anyone has experience of this, i'd love to hear, please.

beluga

Hi, I had some polyps removed last year after a colonoscopy. I also have IBS. As you say, I was worried but the doctors didn't seem concerned. They didn't give me any indication that they indicated anything sinister, but a quick internet search freaked me out! As far as I'm aware, the polyps themselves aren't harmful, but could develop into something. The turn around for test results may vary by area / hospital etc so I wouldn't worry on that account. I'd be glad they found it and treated early!
My results turned out to be fine, but I had to go back for a repeat colonoscopy 6 months later to check for regrowth etc, and will have to go back every 3 years (!) but I'm only 31.
Sorry if that's not very helpful, best of luck with everything x

System

My Mother had several polyps removed in her colon about 15 years ago. Removing the polyps was straight forward and done as a day case but she did eventually end up having part of her bowel removed due to cancerous cells. I went with her and looked after her when she came out of recovery.

She's fighting fit now (well as fine as an 84 year old can be).

Panda78

beluga wrote: »

Hi, I had some polyps removed last year after a colonoscopy. I also have IBS. As you say, I was worried but the doctors didn't seem concerned. They didn't give me any indication that they indicated anything sinister, but a quick internet search freaked me out! As far as I'm aware, the polyps themselves aren't harmful, but could develop into something. The turn around for test results may vary by area / hospital etc so I wouldn't worry on that account. I'd be glad they found it and treated early!
My results turned out to be fine, but I had to go back for a repeat colonoscopy 6 months later to check for regrowth etc, and will have to go back every 3 years (!) but I'm only 31.
Sorry if that's not very helpful, best of luck with everything x

Thank you for the info, very helpful. Your case sounds very similar to my Dad's. They seemed to downplay his results when they found the polyps, which was great at first, but now the reality has hit home that only testing can truely rule anything sinister out. He will hate having another colonoscopy, mainly because of the long fasting required beforehand and "cleansing" process!, but will be worthwhile to make sure there is no regrowth. Wish you continued good health x

Panda78

Judi wrote: »

My Mother had several polyps removed in her colon about 15 years ago. Removing the polyps was straight forward and done as a day case but she did eventually end up having part of her bowel removed due to cancerous cells. I went with her and looked after her when she came out of recovery.

She's fighting fit now (well as fine as an 84 year old can be).

Thanks Judi, i can take inspiration from your Mother, if the worst does come to it. As stressful as these screenings are, it's best to face them as early as possible. When the DIY sample detected blood, the NHS contacted my Dad as soon as they received the results and arranged a colonoscopy within 2 weeks, so they have handled things very well so far. Hope you and your Mum stay healthy x

System

I did ask the consultant if I was was at risk of developing the same cancer as my Mother at the time she was discharged from their care and I was told I wasn't. With my Mother it was down to her age and there was no reason for me to worry about myself.

However, it is something I will have to be aware of. I suggest you do too.

fluffnutter

1. It's natural to worry.
2. Polyps are really, really common.
3. All bits removed from your body are sent for testing - it's standard practice. Doctors love sticking everything under the microscope.
4. Different hospitals have massively varying rates for their pathology services. It's neither here nor there that you're expecting the results in ten days, whereas you've read three weeks is more usual. You can't draw useful comparisons.
5. Trust your doctor. Whilst they don't want to unnecessarily alarm you, they're not in the business of giving false hope either. If he feels confident these are nothing to worry about, then so should you.
6. Stay away from Google!

Good luck. These worrying times will come to an end, and all will be well.

pigpen

My friend had some removed a few years ago and everything was normal after checking... at least they ARE checking them and anything untoward stands to be caught early enough for a full recovery.

Panda78

fluffnutter wrote: »

1. It's natural to worry.
2. Polyps are really, really common.
3. All bits removed from your body are sent for testing - it's standard practice. Doctors love sticking everything under the microscope.
4. Different hospitals have massively varying rates for their pathology services. It's neither here nor there that you're expecting the results in ten days, whereas you've read three weeks is more usual. You can't draw useful comparisons.
5. Trust your doctor. Whilst they don't want to unnecessarily alarm you, they're not in the business of giving false hope either. If he feels confident these are nothing to worry about, then so should you.
6. Stay away from Google!

Good luck. These worrying times will come to an end, and all will be well.

Thank you, very sound advice! Google really isn't a friend worth having at times

lindseylocket

My dad had polyps removed a couple of years ago. one of which was very large

I believe he was told really large polyps are less likely to be cancerous as they would have had to become cancerous before growing so large, so wouldn't have grown so large - if that makes sense.

Kynthia

My dad had some polyps removed a few years ago. One was so large that I heard he was told that it was almost certainly cancerous, and they never normally say that before testing. However it turned out that it wasn't and he was fine. It was a great relief.