Hi all,

My fiancee had the colonoscopy this morning and the doctor found and removed 5 polyps. We have the pictures, but can't tell how big they are. The doc did say that it appeared they were probably 4 to 5 years old. One of the polyps was bleeding and you could see that in the photo.

They were sent to pathology so now we wait.

Meanwhile, we are both worried. What if they are cancerous? Is there a difference between cancerous and precancerous? What do we do next if they are cancerous or pre-cancerous?

I am begging my fi to quit smoking! What else can he do to prevent these from coming back? I have read that aspirin and vitamins are good. Does anyone know?

Thanks so much!
Carrie

It was a good thing he got his colonoscopy. If the polyps are deemed precancerous, he is 100% cure at this time. No further treatment is necessary other than to schedule another colonoscopy in 3-5 yrs.

If any of the polyps are deemed to have cancer, they will probably schedule tests to see if there is any spreading. Usually if they find cancer in the polyps, it's usually a stage 1, which is highly curable with surgery and no chemo. He will be monitored for possible spreading.

While I know it is hard, please try not to worry to much. It really does sound like if there is cancer, it was detected early, thus highly curable. Good luck,

Lee

Hi Carrie:
Congratulations for you and your fiancee. He may have some cramping over the next few days... this is perfectly normal. It DOES NOT MATTER what the pathology report shows about the histology of the polyps. He had polyps, and they were removed. Unless he was told he also has hemorrhoids, then this is what was causing his bleeding... I'm sorry, I can't recall, but I think you said he had bleeding as a symptom. This should now stop, although he may have VERY mild bleeding over the next couple days as well... Make sure he takes NO aspirin or NSAIDS like Advil for a little while. Tylenol is fine.

As for the thing that you are MOST worried about-- the path report. Even if one or more of the polyps come back pre-cancerous, there is NO FURTHER TREATMENT NEEDED. The only thing is he will have to go for another colonoscopy sooner than if he was completely clear with no polyps. I would imagine he would actually WANT to go in for a colonoscopy sooner if any do come back pre-cancerous, as it's important to remove the polyps before they turn cancerous and begin growing INTO the wall of the colon.

Both of you breathe a sigh of relief. Toast to his good colon health! :rolleyes: I am VERY glad everything worked out well for you both. Good luck with the wedding, and please come back and visit once and a while. :)

Regards,
CancerDad:angel: