The best treatment for bowel polyps depends on the size and type of the polyp, as well as the overall health of the patient. Some common treatment options for bowel polyps include:
- Endoscopic polypectomy: This procedure involves removing the polyp using a special instrument passed through the rectum and colon.
- Surgical removal: In some cases, a polyp may be too large or too difficult to remove endoscopically, and surgical removal may be necessary.
- Surveillance: If the polyp is small and does not appear to be cancerous, a medical professional may recommend monitoring it closely through regular colonoscopy screenings.
Some types of colon polyps are more likely to become cancerous than others. A doctor who specializes in analyzing tissue samples (pathologist) will examine your polyp tissue under a microscope to determine whether it is potentially cancerous
Follow-up care
If you have had an adenomatous polyp or a serrated polyp, you are at increased risk of colon cancer. The level of risk depends on the size, number and characteristics of the adenomatous polyps that were removed.
You’ll need follow-up screenings for polyps. Your doctor is likely to recommend a colonoscopy:
- In 5 to 10 years if you had only one or two small adenomas
- In 3 to 5 years if you had three or four adenomas
- In three years if you had 5 to 10 adenomas, adenomas larger than 10 millimeters, or certain types of adenomas
- Within six months if you had multiple adenomas, a very large adenoma or an adenoma that had to be removed in pieces
Preparing for your colonoscopy
It’s very important to fully prepare (clean out) your colon before a colonoscopy. If stool remains in the colon and obstructs your doctor’s view of the colon wall, you will likely need a follow-up colonoscopy sooner than usual to ensure that all polyps are discovered.
After a good colon preparation, bowel movements should appear as clear liquid, which may be slightly yellow or green-tinged, depending on the color of any liquids consumed during the preparation. If you experience trouble with your colon preparation, or feel that you have not been cleaned out by the preparation, you should discuss this with your doctor before beginning your colonoscopy, as some people require additional steps in preparation before attempting colonoscopy.
It is important to speak with a medical professional about the specific treatment options that are most appropriate in your situation.