Hello @dlc69 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sure all of this news and lack of concrete next steps is worrisome to say the least.

As I read your post, I get the sense that you are very in tune with what the doctor has shared with you but the uncertainty is what is troubling you at the moment. It is so understandable during this waiting period.

Have you considered making a list of "what ifs" if the news comes back that the tumor is benign/non-cancerous vs. cancerous just to feel like you will be prepared to carry on the next conversation with regard to your care? It may be an exercise that will let you write your thoughts/concerns down either way and also be prepared with questions following your test results.

@dlc69, I wanted to check in with you and to find out what you've since learned from the biopsy of the polyp. I can understand your confusion regarding benign vs pre-cancerous polyps. They are not the same thing. Polyps in our colon are very common. Certain shapes (flat with short stems) may indicate a higher risk of developing into cancer (pre-cancerous). This article explains clearly and in-depth:
- Types of Polyps and Cancer Risk https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/about-colorectal-cancer/prevention/colon-polyps/

Because colorectal cancer grows very slowly, tests like Cologuard and colonoscopy are highly effective of stopping potential cancer in its tracks.

I've had both benign and pre-cancerous polyps. They were removed easily and without after effects during a colonoscopy. It sounds like the location of your polyps may be a little more tricky but not complicated if done by an experienced GI surgeon.

Please share the result of your biospy and next steps.

I have a history of precancerous polyps since 2007. In 2018 I had the very same thing as you. After my colonoscopy my Dr. (Surgeon) of 10+ yrs said “you have a poylp in your appendix”I found out was in the
appendeceal orifice’ time
went on,several months.i called and asked (?),he said “oh!i can snip it right out (along w/appendix but first we need an Catscan it showed “ a “mass in colon concerning malignancy”Dr.didn’t tell me I had to order the report and it was ‘next day expressed!’6 mo went by another colonoscopy (report said”diverticulitis) no mention of poylp in appendix or “mass”so another Catscan shiwed “stool in colon!) still no mass or mention of polyp in appendix. I went to another surgeon 5 mo later he said “I’ll run a Catscan with contrast for your PEACE of mind”!that scan shiwed NO polyps!i had NO peace of mind as 2017 actually said “2”sessille serrated polyps! I was livid as tgese poylps are nit removable w/colonoscopy so..gexspoofed it off as ‘gone’!i objected vecause I understood polyps only biopsies for testing. Showing benign!they sent me to an oncology geriatric Dr. Who basically said”you just have too much info!(i’m 81 at that time!”mo’spast,im researching, so I went to a3rd Colon Surgeon who said “yes, the appendix and poylp must come OUT!surgery 2021 July
14! Today,I’m due for yearly ck-up,another colonoscopy!durin this time I research sessile serrated poylp s abd found,they turn to cancer quite frequently,though typically benign on first finding!(?)cancer can appear in 10-12yrs.!my reports showed other poylps,biopsid not removed 13yrs.prior!so I wait!
For new colonoscopy! I’ll report the findings. I’m now 84.i digressed, te surgery in 2022 found a small benign mass on appendix!) removed!a long tedious worrisome journey!im now suffering microscopic colitis in lining of colon(?)nausea,duarrhea,unstoppable!could thiseunremived and ‘leftover,biopsidedpoylos be ‘cancer?..my fear!thanks for this long comment!