HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologycolon polypCan you please explain whether colon polyps have the ability to become cancerous?

May I know whether colon polyps have the possibility to become cancerous?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At November 23, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 38-year-old male. Before a year, I did a colonoscopy and endoscopy due to low iron, and stomach pain. It showed that I have celiac disease and the colonoscopy was clear except with a small 4 mm polyp. It was removed and tested. It was benign. The doctor told me that my colon is clear and visible. He told me to come back after five years. I am taking a gluten-free diet for a year and my iron ferritin levels have gone from 12 ng/mL to 74 ng/mL. My vitamin D levels are normal and my celiac test has gone from 128 units to 8 units. I suffer from health anxiety and obsessive behavior disorder. I have become obsessed with checking my bowel movements with the torch of my phone and I have a panic about going to the toilet. I check my bowel movements for blood. How to have relief from this fear? My specialist told me that a small benign polyp takes a time of five years to grow and become cancerous.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern about your colon polyp. The risk of having a cancerous change in a new polyp is 1 to 2 percent and it takes around 5 years. Your fear has decreased your quality of life. I suggest you avoid minding the number or quality of stool because stress can cause irritable bowel syndrome. It is a harmless condition but it changes bowel movements and causes more pain and anxiety. You can ask your doctor to do the next colonoscopy in the three years from the first one and do an annual stool occult blood test to have some peace of mind.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Do I need to do an annual stool test even when I do a colonoscopy every three years? The thinking of a stool test makes my anxiety worse and so I am avoiding doing it. If I do a colonoscopy once in three years, am I safe to go to the toilet flush, and carry on my day?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You do not require to do an annual test. Forget about it and have fun.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rosita Alizadeh Shalchi
Dr. Rosita Alizadeh Shalchi

Medical Gastroenterology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

colon polypcolonoscopy

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical Gastroenterology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy