First Colonoscopy

Andrew66
Andrew66 Member Posts: 3
edited October 2017 in Anal Cancer #1

I'm 50 and had my first colonoscopy today.  Dr. told me he removed 15 polyps and sent three for a biopsy.  From reading previous posts, I think 15 is a lot for my age.  Should I be concerned?  What happens if they find the three cancerous or pre-cancerous. 

Comments

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #2
    Andrew

    Yes that does sound like a lot for your age. My guess is that the polyps will still be in the precancer stage. Then you just have to be vigilant and get colonoscopies more often than most people. If I were you I would make sure and find out your family history regarding polyps- sometimes they run in families. The polyps take a long time to develop into cancer. Good luck and keep us updated if you can.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited October 2017 #3
    Andrew66

    Colon polyps are quite common.  The good news is you had your colonoscopy at the recommended age of 50.  Most likely the polyps that were sent for biopsy will come back showing pre-cancer, meaning that they could have developed into cancer if they hadn't been removed.  My husband has been through the same thing.  If they show pre-cancer, you will be one of the people who will need to have colonoscopies on a more frequent basis.  My best advice is not to worry until you have something to worry about.  I wish you all the very best.

  • Andrew66
    Andrew66 Member Posts: 3
    #4
    Mollymaude said:

    Andrew

    Yes that does sound like a lot for your age. My guess is that the polyps will still be in the precancer stage. Then you just have to be vigilant and get colonoscopies more often than most people. If I were you I would make sure and find out your family history regarding polyps- sometimes they run in families. The polyps take a long time to develop into cancer. Good luck and keep us updated if you can.

    Thank you.  This was very

    Thank you.  This was very helpful.  This does run in my family so I will certaily be vigilant. 

  • Andrew66
    Andrew66 Member Posts: 3
    #5
    mp327 said:

    Andrew66

    Colon polyps are quite common.  The good news is you had your colonoscopy at the recommended age of 50.  Most likely the polyps that were sent for biopsy will come back showing pre-cancer, meaning that they could have developed into cancer if they hadn't been removed.  My husband has been through the same thing.  If they show pre-cancer, you will be one of the people who will need to have colonoscopies on a more frequent basis.  My best advice is not to worry until you have something to worry about.  I wish you all the very best.

    Thank you.  This was very

    Thank you.  This was very helpful.

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