What Happens If Your Doctor Finds a Polyp During a Colonoscopy?

Hearing that your doctor found a polyp during your colonoscopy can sound concerning, but colon polyps are common and most are not cancerous.

Finding a polyp is also one of the reasons colonoscopy is such an important colorectal cancer screening tool: in many cases, a gastroenterologist can identify and remove the polyp during the same procedure.

Here's what typically happens next.

What Is a Colon Polyp?

A colon polyp is a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

Most polyps are not cancerous. However, certain types of polyps can develop into colorectal cancer over time.

Because it isn't always possible to determine exactly what type of polyp is present just by looking at it, removed polyps are generally sent to a laboratory for examination.

What Happens When a Polyp Is Found?

In many cases, your gastroenterologist will remove the polyp during your colonoscopy.

Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to remove the growth. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors can remove almost all colon polyps without surgery.

You typically won't feel the polyp being removed.

Is the Polyp Tested for Cancer?

Yes.

After removal, the polyp is sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines the tissue.

The pathology results help your physician determine what type of polyp was removed and whether additional follow-up is necessary.

Results may take several days or longer. Your healthcare provider will explain the findings and what they mean for you.

Does Finding a Polyp Mean You Have Cancer?

No.

Most colon polyps are not cancerous.

However, because some polyps can eventually become cancerous, removing them is an important preventive measure.

This is one of the unique advantages of colonoscopy: your physician isn't simply looking for cancer. The procedure may allow precancerous growths to be identified and removed before they have an opportunity to progress.

Will You Need Another Colonoscopy?

Possibly.

If polyps are found, your next colonoscopy may be recommended sooner than the standard interval used for an average-risk person with a normal screening colonoscopy.

Your physician determines the appropriate follow-up interval based on factors such as your colonoscopy and pathology results, medical history, and individual risk.

Follow the specific recommendation provided by your gastroenterologist rather than assuming you can wait another 10 years.

What Should You Expect After Polyp Removal?

Some patients experience a small amount of rectal bleeding after a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken.

Your care team will provide specific post-procedure instructions.

Seek medical attention if you develop concerning symptoms after the procedure, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, bleeding that doesn't stop, dizziness, or weakness.

Why Finding and Removing Polyps Matters

Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps.

Finding a polyp during your colonoscopy therefore isn't simply about discovering a potential problem. Removing certain polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer before it develops.

That's one of the most important reasons to undergo recommended colorectal cancer screening even when you feel completely healthy.

Colonoscopy and Polyp Removal in Smithtown, NY

Smithtown Ambulatory Surgical Center provides outpatient colonoscopy procedures for patients in Smithtown and surrounding Long Island communities.

If your gastroenterologist has recommended a colonoscopy, contact Smithtown ASC for information about scheduling, preparation, and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from your physician.