Understanding Colon Polyps and Colonoscopy Results

Receiving a phone call with the result “we found polyps” after a colonoscopy is understandably concerning. There is no reason to jump and think about the worst-case scenario. The majority of polyps in the colon that are removed are benign and are not cancerous. The results actually may be reassuring, as it shows the cells were malignant. This article will discuss the basics of polyp formation and their corresponding pathology results.

Colon Polyp Basics

Colon polyps are benign growths that form on the wall of the large intestine. Polyps form in two ways: flat against the wall of the intestine or as a growth with a stalk. It is possible not to experience symptoms with polyps, which is exactly why keeping up with regular colonoscopies is crucial; they are often discovered during this process. There are two types of polyps:

Adenomas are the precancerous variety of polyps.

Hyperplastic and serrated polyps are the less concerning types of polyps.

During a colonoscopy, a doctor may be able to determine what type of polyp the patient has, but a lab analysis of the tissue will provide the final diagnosis.

Does Finding Polyps in Colon Tissue Mean You Have Cancer?

Finding polyps in colon tissue does not mean cancer. Most polyps are completely benign, and just the specific types of polyps that remain untreated will grow and develop into colon cancer. Because it is standard practice to remove polyps during colonoscopies, this signifies that the process of colon cancer growth is interrupted by the colonoscopy.

Why Doctors Remove Polyps, Rather Than Waiting to See What They Do

After polyps are found, most gastroenterologists prefer to take the appropriate steps and remove the polyp right away. It is more convenient to do the small procedure than to watch a polyp that may change and grow into something worse. The risk of removal depends on a few factors. These are size, number, location, and the cell appearance, which is why two people with similar results can have completely different plans after their colonoscopy.

Reading Your Colonoscopy and Pathology Report

Your report will cover the number of polyps found, the size and location, if removal was successful, what the pathological type is, and what the recommended time period from the last colonoscopy is. This number can differ; for example, one small low-risk polyp can mean a return in ten years, or it can mean a return in three to five years if there are multiple adenomas.

Lifestyle, Risk Factors, and the Elements of Control

Age and family history play a role in polyp risk, but so do lifestyle choices. Certain daily lifestyle choices, like being active, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol while avoiding tobacco and eating high-fiber foods, are associated with improvements in colorectal health. Still, none of these choices can completely eliminate the risk of polyps, which is why screening is suggested for everyone, regardless of how healthy they feel.

If you were to have persistent rectal bleeding, an unaccounted weight loss, or a change in bowel habits, these should also warrant a trip to the doctor, regardless of screening history.

Where a Whole Body Scan Falls Into Place

A whole body scan should not be used as a substitute for a colonoscopy to check the health of the colon lining, as a colonoscopy allows for removal of polyps, which imaging cannot do. Other imaging scans have different purposes and can be done in addition to a colonoscopy if needed as a supplement to colorectal screenings but shouldn't be used as a substitute for a colonoscopy.

Finding a Reliable Imaging Provider

For those researching whole-body imaging providers, Via Scan of Las Colinas performs whole-body scans designed to give customers a baseline view of their internal health. One patient described the process as simple and informative; however, the scans should not be used as a substitute for a colonoscopy. People concerned about polyps in the colon should also understand that whole-body imaging does not replace recommended colorectal screenings or diagnostic procedures. 

Key Takeaways

Because polyps often form in the colon over time, colon cancers are usually found during routine colonoscopies. Colon polyps are often removed as a precaution to cancer rather than as a treatment for cancer. Since follow-up procedures are recommended by pathology reports and not by initial "polyp-related" news, it is important to wait for your pathology report. Having a colonoscopy doesn't mean you've completely avoided colorectal cancer, so it is beneficial to have frequent follow-up colonoscopies. It is wise to have a colonoscopy every few years despite the single colonoscopy you have recently had. This one habit is more beneficial than anything else on this list.