Colon polyps
Content date: 10 November 2026
Most polyps are not cancer. Removing types that may change over time, then following up their laboratory results, helps prevent bowel cancer.
Your next step
Ask for the polyp pathology result and the next colonoscopy date in writing.
Get urgent help: Heavy bleeding, blood clots or dizziness, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, or fainting after colonoscopy.
Understanding the condition: is a polyp cancer?
- A polyp is extra growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It may look like a small bump on a stalk, or be broad-based or flat. “Polyp” describes a growth, not a diagnosis of cancer. Most are not cancerous when found, but some types may gradually become cancer if left in place.
- Removing polyps therefore prevents disease rather than simply treating symptoms. Many cause no pain or bowel changes and are found during an examination in someone who feels well. They become more likely with age or a personal or family history, but can still occur without these factors.
What does the tissue analysis tell us?
- The laboratory examines the cells after removal to identify whether the polyp is a precancerous type or another type, and whether advanced changes are present. You cannot determine this from size alone or from a lack of symptoms. The tissue result is interpreted alongside the colonoscopy report and whether removal was complete.
- Removing a polyp does not prevent new polyps from developing. Follow-up depends on the combined findings, bowel preparation quality and family history. The aim is to remove concerning growths and follow up at the right time, without repeating colonoscopy unnecessarily often or delaying it too long. Keep the colonoscopy and pathology reports together.
How are they treated?
- Most polyps are removed during colonoscopy and sent to the laboratory. Large or complex polyps may need a specialist therapeutic endoscopy or, in selected cases, surgery.
- Ask whether removal was complete, whether there were other polyps, and whether the bowel preparation was good.
When should colonoscopy be repeated?
- Timing depends on the number, size and laboratory type of polyps, bowel preparation quality, completeness of removal and family history. It is not the same for everyone.
- An early repeat may be necessary if a polyp was removed in pieces or preparation was inadequate. Do not rely on a general timetable before the laboratory result is available.
After polyp removal
- Follow discharge instructions about food, activity, travel and restarting blood thinners. Do not stop or restart a blood thinner yourself.
- A small amount of blood can occur after some procedures, but persistent or repeated bleeding or bleeding with dizziness is not normal.
- Bleeding may be delayed for several days, sometimes around two weeks. Keep your colonoscopy report and tell emergency staff you have had a polyp removed.
How can I reduce risk?
- Maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and do not smoke. Include fiber and vegetables in a balanced diet and limit processed meat.
- Do not start aspirin solely to prevent polyps without medical assessment; it can increase bleeding.
- Tell your doctor about bowel cancer or multiple polyps in the family, especially at a young age. If your tissue result has not arrived, contact the clinic rather than assuming it is normal.
When to get help
Heavy bleeding, blood clots or dizziness, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, or fainting after colonoscopy.
A missing pathology result or an unclear date for the next colonoscopy.