High Risk for Colon Cancer due to Pre-cancerous adenoma, age, or both

Posted by bonnieb81 @bonnieb81, Jan 19, 2019

I recently had a colonoscopy done by a surgeon with previously doing surgery on me to remove a pre-cancerous polyp. Having some strange symptoms but no bleeding, I made appt for a colonoscopy by same surgeon now with a. TX. Oncology Clinic. The colonoscopy report showed multiple sessile polyps, one very near my appendix. It was ‘brushed for lab work rather than removing and lab report said it showed serrated ede, and though a small polyp, it could be indication of adenoma as it grew. Also stating to wait 3-5 yrs for another colonoscopy. Being 81, having one precancerous adenoma removed a few years earlier, and having noted I was a ‘High Risk’ patient, I’m curious why the polyps were not removed, if too close to appendix why couldn’t both appendix and polyps be removed. Thank you

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hi @bonnieb81 and welcome to Connect. That is curious that the polyp wasn't removed. Sounds like a good question for the surgeon or your doctor. Perhaps it is because of its location. I'm tagging a few other members like @travelgirl @countrygirlusa @suerc and @dlarryd who may be able to add their thoughts. You may also be interested in reading these related discussions:
- Screening colonoscopy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/screening-colonoscopy/
- Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/serrated-polyposis-syndrome-sps/

Bonnie, when do you have appointment with your doctor to discuss the results of the colonoscopy?

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Hello Bonnie, I agree with Colleen. I would ask your Dr. why the polyps were not removed. If he lacks the expertise to remove sessile (flat) polyps in the appendix area, maybe he can give you a referral to someone who can. I have a polyposis syndrome -Serrated Polyposis Syndrome and have yearly colonoscopies to remove any that have grown from year to year. They have ranged from 1 mm - 9 mm. Some are hyperplastic and some are sessile serrated adenomas which are pre-cancerous and need to be removed. Good Luck!

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@bonnieb81 I can answer that question as to why?
That is the same area that my stage 1 cancerous polyp was located, at the opening to the appendix.
This happens to be the thinnest lining in the colon. It is only about 4 dimes thick. Therefore, very difficult to remove via an Endoscopic removal. It requires surgery for a right hemicolectomy. Removing part of the colon and attaching it to the small intestine. Three Doctors told me it was my only option to remove that flat polyp I had.
You may want to ask your Dr if this surgery is an option for you?
I wish you the best..
Jackie

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@colleenyoung

hi @bonnieb81 and welcome to Connect. That is curious that the polyp wasn't removed. Sounds like a good question for the surgeon or your doctor. Perhaps it is because of its location. I'm tagging a few other members like @travelgirl @countrygirlusa @suerc and @dlarryd who may be able to add their thoughts. You may also be interested in reading these related discussions:
- Screening colonoscopy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/screening-colonoscopy/
- Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/serrated-polyposis-syndrome-sps/

Bonnie, when do you have appointment with your doctor to discuss the results of the colonoscopy?

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Thank you so much for your answers and suggestions, Coleen, I actually talked to the Surgeons P.A. and the surgeon was in the room. I’ve been under much stress as my husbands caregiver, normally I would have asked the question on “why no removal of polyps” but I honestly don’t remember. I had ‘assumed’that there were risks of removal at my age, but I should never ‘assume anything’ that seemed risky in any way!
I will call him again and see if I can have an appt to discuss further. He did 2 surgeries for 1 polyp, the adenoma, and one other surgery for hemmorroids I few yrs back. Thank you again

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@travelgirl

@bonnieb81 I can answer that question as to why?
That is the same area that my stage 1 cancerous polyp was located, at the opening to the appendix.
This happens to be the thinnest lining in the colon. It is only about 4 dimes thick. Therefore, very difficult to remove via an Endoscopic removal. It requires surgery for a right hemicolectomy. Removing part of the colon and attaching it to the small intestine. Three Doctors told me it was my only option to remove that flat polyp I had.
You may want to ask your Dr if this surgery is an option for you?
I wish you the best..
Jackie

Jump to this post

Thank you so much Jackie, your message has helped me to speed up my consultation or perhaps a second opinion. I think he was a bit evasive. I did ask another question regarding connective tissue disease, as I have Sjogrens and recently I had a biceps tendon that detached. I asked about the ileac valve in the colon if it’s affected by connective tissue disorder, he replied that ‘if it affects the valve there’s nothing that can be done about it! He had told me my last surgery that my ‘Sphincter muscle was weak’ which prompted me to ask about causes from connective tissue’ issues. Maybe I was asking all the wrong questions!

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