Polyp sectioned during colonoscopy is cancerous

Hi @bluck, I can understand your wish to avoid surgery if it is not necessary. Having found and removed a cancerous polyp sounds like they may have been able to stop cancer in its tracks before it formed a tumor on the colon wall. I think you might appreciate the tips and resources that @lisag03 and @daledales shared in this related discussion:
- I just had a colonoscopy and was told that I have a mass on my sigmoid https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-just-had-a-colonoscopy-and-was-told-that-i-have-a-mass-on-my-sigmoid/

I'm also bringing in fellow members who have had early colorectal cancer like @leed2022 @annejacobsen @maya8238 @ruthg @menkcizmar. They may be able to share what further diagnostics testing they had to determine the presence of cancer and its stage.

Bluck, are you being seen at a major cancer center? Have you considered getting a second opinion?

Hello, after my colonoscopy last October, my doctor found a very small tumor in my colon, so I had to get surgery. The surgery was completed in November 2022 and out of 34 lymph nodes, one had cancer. To avoid any spreading or complications I was put on Xeloda pills for 6 months and am in my last cycle for that (finishing next week). I will then have a CT scan in late June to make sure everything is alright, then my next colonoscopy is in October. I would speak with your oncologist and learn more about options for treatment (if any) and what the best course of action would be to avoid any possible issues in the future. It could be that your oncologist may just recommend going on a chemo pill like I did and not have surgery, but that is a discussion you really should have with the oncologist. Before making any decisions and just going by what surgeons say, definitely speak with an oncologist that you trust and feel comfortable with who specializes in the colon. Please keep us posted, and I will pray that you will be guided to make the right decision.

Consider a ctdna test to help guide your decision. ( a blood test to determine if cancer is still present) This test is not perfect but provides valuable information to make a decision.
I have attached NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine)
article
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2200075
Good luck

Hi there. I had the exact experience and was told to get a CT to be sure the cancer had not progressed outside the lining of the colon. Mine was in the cecum, and is a neuroendocrine tumor which is different than "traditional cancer". Anyway, the CT scan showed no metastasis, but I was told by my oncologist in Texas that I needed the colon resection surgery, and he scheduled it. In the meantime, I told him that I want a PET scan and he told me I didn't need it if the CT showed nothing. I insisted on the PET, and it took a week of begging him to order it, but he finally did. The PET scan showed that it had spread into my small intestine, two lymph nodes, liver and heart cavity! My oncologist told me that now surgery was out of the question and I needed to start treatment immediately. I put it off, went to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ where the most amazing Dr. Sonbol explained everything to me in detail and ordered an echocardiogram to verify that it is indeed in my heart. If not in my heart, then I can proceed with the colon resection, lymph node removal and liver resection. I will be having the Echocardiogram next week. He has given me hope. I know the neuroendocrine tumors are a lot different than than "traditional cancer" (sorry, I can't think of anything else to call it), but I would encourage you to insist on a PET scan even if your insurance doesn't cover it. That's what I did, and I am so happy I did even though it was not good news. But at least now I can do something about it before it grows into a larger problem. I wish you the best, and please do keep me informed of what you end up doing. Hugs, prayers and positive energy are being sent your way!

Thanks for sharing your experience and the excellent advise. I will be praying for you as well.

Thanks for sharing the excellent information. I had not heard of the circulating tumor dna test. I will be looking into it.

The surgeons say I don't need an oncologist if my ct scans are clear. I will have to push harder for a referral. Thanks for sharing your journey and for the prayer support.

Thanks Colleen,
The second surgeon I saw is at a cancer center. He did not seem open to other treatments or testing. I do have a follow up on May 31 with that surgeon. I am now loaded up with many questions thanks to the wonderful people on here. The first surgeon I saw, upon pressing, did admit that he would suggest second opinions if it were his own family member. None of doctors have offered any resources. The best information I have received has been on this site.

In many places you should be able to self refer at whatever cancer center you choose. Yes, I would push VERY HARD to see an oncologist and find out if you can get an appointment with one by doing a self referral. You must be your own advocate for your health. I have heard so many stories from people who were denied getting a colonoscopy because they did not fall into the standard age category. One person was in his early 30's and was told he did not need one. He threatened that if the doctor did not order one he was going to Mexico to get one. They did finally order one and he did have cancer in his colon, but luckily it was at an early stage and treatable. Keep pushing until you get in to see someone. Having cancer of any kind is enough of a reason to see an oncologist. The CT scan will not show anything if the cancer is microscopic, which is what mine was. Tell them you insist on seeing one and as long as your insurance will cover it they have no right to deny you. Wishing you the best of everything, and please keep us posted.