Colon Polyps Specialist
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Mit Shah, MD
Gastroenterology Practice located in Bayside, Queens, NY
Colon polyps are potentially precancerous clumps of cells inside the colon. When they’re left untreated, they can lead to cancer and other health complications. Residents in Queens, New York, can find comprehensive colon cancer screenings through the care of Mit Shah, MD, at The Gastroenterology Practice. Through a screening and colonoscopy procedure, he can detect polyps right away and remove them to prevent cancer. To schedule an appointment for colon polyps, call the office or book online today.
Colon Polyps Q & A
What are colon polyps?
Colon polyps are collections of cells on your colon lining. Most colon polyps are non-neoplastic, meaning they rarely progress into colon cancer.
However, the other category of polyps, neoplastic polyps, can potentially become cancerous. Larger polyps are more likely to become cancerous overall.
Are colon polyps painful?
In many cases, colon polyps don’t cause any symptoms. Though, it’s important to have colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 (possibly earlier, depending on your colon cancer risk factors) to ensure your optimal health.
When colon polyps grow quite large, they can cause bowel obstruction, leading to problems like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. When left untreated, a bowel obstruction could lead to a tear in your colon wall (an emergency which requires immediate treatment).
How are colon polyps diagnosed?
Colonoscopy is the gold standard test to diagnose colon polyps. During this colon cancer screening test, Dr. Shah examines your colon and rectum using a long thin tube with a tiny built-in video camera. He can diagnose colon polyps and other abnomalities during the colonoscopy.
In addition to colon cancer screening starting at age 45, you may need a colonoscopy for diagnostic purposes if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in your stool, diarrhea, or constipation.
How are colon polyps treated?
Although not all polyps turn into cancer, Dr. Shah takes the safest possible approach to prevent colon cancer by removing your polyps. He uses special surgical tools to expertly remove any small or medium-sized polyps he finds during colonoscopy.
Generally, colonoscopy gives you a diagnosis and treatment approach simultaneously, so you only have to prepare for the procedure once. However, if you have complex colon polyps (including very large, unusually shaped, or oddly positioned polyps), Dr. Shah may schedule a separate procedure to remove them safely. Only about 1-2% of polyps fall into this category, though.
What happens after colon polyp removal?
After polyp removal, there’s about a 25-30% chance of having new polyps three years later. So, Dr. Shah often recommends a follow-up colonoscopy to ensure you’re healthy. The exact timing of your follow-up colonoscopy depends on factors like polyp size, the number of polyps, and the specific characteristics of the polyps.
To schedule an appointment for colon polyps, call The Gastroenterology Practice in Queens, New York, or book online today.
