Most colon polyps are benign, but certain types (such as adenomas and serrated polyps) can become cancerous if they remain in place and continue to grow. Screening tests like colonoscopy allow providers to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp and may cause few symptoms early on, which is why age- and risk-based screening is so important.
Polyps usually cause no symptoms. Colorectal cancer may present with blood in the stool, bowel habit changes, anemia, or weight loss, but it may be silent until advanced.
Call the office with any new rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks, unexplained anemia or fatigue, or if you are unsure about when your next screening or surveillance colonoscopy is due.
Seek emergency care for heavy or ongoing rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or signs of bowel obstruction such as vomiting, abdominal distension, and inability to pass gas or stool.
Evaluation focuses on screening and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and imaging. Positive screening tests or concerning symptoms often lead to colonoscopy to remove polyps and biopsy any suspicious areas.
Management of polyps involves removal and appropriate surveillance. Colorectal cancer treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies depending on stage and location. Long-term follow-up is important.
If your insurance requires a referral or prior authorization, our billing office will make every effort to obtain it before services are rendered. If you choose to proceed without required authorization, insurance may deny coverage. If you are a Medicare patient, you may be asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) acknowledging financial responsibility if insurance does not pay. If you are enrolled in a commercial insurance plan you will be asked to sign a non-covered services form.