Some types of polyp can develop into cancer, while others do not. If a polyp that is removed contains cancer, it is called a malignant polyp.
If a doctor discovers polyps, they will often remove them via a colonoscopy or laparoscopy. The doctor will then send any removed polyps to a pathologist for a biopsy.
Biopsy involves analyzing a piece of a polyp tissue under a microscope. The analysis is often used to determine whether the polyp is cancerous or not. Routine biopsy results can take 1 or 2 days to come back, once the sample has arrived at the lab.
During the biopsy the pathologist will either find normal or abnormal results. Normal results mean that no cancerous or abnormal cells were present in the sample. In this instance, the polyp is labeled benign and not cancerous. If the biopsy produces abnormal results, it means that the pathologist detected cancerous cells and that the polyp is cancerous.
If the biopsy reveals that cancer is present, then cancer specialists will outline a treatment plan for the person. Common treatments for colon cancer include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy.
However, if a cancerous polyp is removed completely during colonoscopy with no cancer cells at the edges of the polyp, then no additional treatment may be needed.
It is important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.